n. (Zool.) The American great marbled godwit (Limosa fedoa). Applied also to the red-breasted godwit (Limosa haematica). [ 1913 Webster ]
Hook-billed marlin,
n. [ LG. marlien, marling, or D. marling, marlijn, fr. D. marren to tie, prob. akin to E. moor, v., and lijn line: cf.F. merlin. See Moor, v., Line. ] (Naut.) A small line composed of two strands a little twisted, used for winding around ropes and cables, to prevent their being weakened by fretting. [ 1913 Webster ]
Marline spike,
Marling spike
Marline-spike bird. [ The name alludes to the long middle tail feathers. ] (Zool.)
v. t. [ F. merliner. ] (Naut.) To wind marline around;