Marline

(mär′lin), n. [L. Ger. marlien, marling, perhaps from O. H. Ger. marrjan, marrên, D. marren, to hinder, stop, check, and L. Ger. lien, N. H. Ger. leine, line, rope; Fr. merlin, Sp. merlin, Pg. merlim. See MAR, v. t.] (Naut.) A small line composed of two strands a little twisted, and either tarred or white, used for winding round ropes and cables, to prevent their being fretted by the blocks, &c.