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.