marl

Meanings

Noun

• A mixed earthy substance, consisting of carbonate of lime, clay, and possibly sand, in very variable proportions, and accordingly designated as calcareous, clayey, or sandy.

Verb

• To cover with the earthy substance called marl.
• To cover, as part of a rope, with marline, marking a peculiar hitch at each turn to prevent unwinding.

Origin

• From Middle English marle, from Old French marle, from Late Latin margila, diminutive of marga.