noun
definition
A material, consisting of tarred fibres, used to caulk or pack joints in plumbing, masonry, and wooden shipbuilding.
definition
The coarse portion separated from flax or hemp in hackling.
Examples of oakum in a Sentence
Work for men was usually stone breaking or oakum picking.
In 1829, 314 indoor paupers were employed in spinning, weaving and picking oakum.
Ernest Jones, " master of his own time, " had to pick oakum, or spend his days in a dark cell.
This consists of passing a sail, attached to cords, and charged with oakum, wool, and other materials, under the vessel's keel, in such a manner that the suction of the leak may draw the canvas into the aperture, and thus partially stop the vent.