D defs.my
Entry 2 senses Webster, 1913

Oakum

/(ōk"ŭm)/ · Oak·um · IPA /ˈoʊk(ə)m/
01 n. The material obtained by untwisting and picking into loose fiber old hemp ropes; -- used for calking the seams of ships, stopping leaks, etc.
  1. 1.
    The material obtained by untwisting and picking into loose fiber old hemp ropes; -- used for calking the seams of ships, stopping leaks, etc.
  2. 2.
    The coarse portion separated from flax or hemp in nackling.
Phrases & compounds
White oakum — that made from untarred rope.