Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for OAK'UM
OAK'UM, n. [Sax. æcemba, æcumbe, tow. The latter part of the word may be Sax. cemb, a comb.]
The substance of old ropes untwisted and pulled into loose hemp; used for milking the seams of ships, stopping leaks, &c. That formed from untarred ropes is called white oakum.
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