Caulking

Caulking, or Calking, the operation of driving oakum, or unravelled rope, between the interstices of a ship's planks or decks, so as to render the whole watertight. Having been driven in, the caulking, for preservative purposes, is covered with hot pitch, resin, or marine glue. Caulking-irons are iron chisels used for the purpose of caulking.