Oak"um (?), n. [AS. acumba; pref. (cf.G. er-, Goth. us-, orig. meaning, out) + cemban to comb, camb comb. See Comb.]

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.

The coarse portion separated from flax or hemp in nackling.

Knight.

White oakum, that made from untarred rope.

 

© Webster 1913.