CAWKER Meaning and
Definition
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Cawker refers to a nautical term that typically describes a thick tarred hemp or oakum rope used for caulking or sealing gaps or seams in wooden ships. The term originally derives from the act of "calking", which involves packing the rope tightly into the grooves or joints between the wooden planks of a ship's hull or deck. The cawker rope is often treated with tar or other waterproofing substances to enhance its effectiveness in preventing water leakage.
The main purpose of cawker, or caulking in general, is to make the wooden ship watertight. By tightly filling the gaps between planks, it prevents water from seeping into the hull, thereby maintaining the integrity and buoyancy of the vessel. This technique was especially vital during the era of wooden ships, when watertightness was essential for a ship's safety and functionality.
Cawker ropes can vary in thickness and stiffness depending on the specific requirements of the caulking task. They are typically made from durable natural fibers, such as hemp, which are resistant to water and decay. The ropes are carefully woven or twisted to achieve the desired strength and pliability, making them suitable for sealing different parts of the ship's structure.
In modern usage, the term "cawker" may also refer to a person skilled in the art of caulking, particularly within the maritime industry. These individuals possess the expertise to select, prepare, and install cawker ropes, ensuring the proper sealing of ships to maintain their seaworthiness.
Common Misspellings for CAWKER
- vawker
- dawker
- czwker
- cswker
- cwwker
- cqwker
- caaker
- ca3ker
- ca2ker
- cawjer
- cawmer
- cawoer
- cawier
- cawkwr
- cawksr
- cawkdr
- cawkrr
- cawk4r
- cawk3r
- c awker
Etymology of CAWKER
The word "cawker" has a somewhat complex etymology. It originated from the Middle English word "calkeren" which meant to equip a ship with calks. "Calks" referred to metal projections or spikes that were fixed on the wooden hull of a ship to provide better traction and prevent slipping on a ship's deck or in icy conditions.
The Middle English word "calkeren" can be traced back to the Old Norse word "kaulkr" or "kálkr" which had a similar meaning of calking a ship. Old Norse was the language spoken by the Vikings and had a significant influence on the English language during the medieval period.
Over time, the term "cawker" came to be associated with a person who installed or repaired calks on ships, eventually evolving into a specific occupation known as a "calker".
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