marl

Etymology 1

From Middle English marle, from Old French marle, from Late Latin margila, diminutive of marga (“marl”).

noun

1. A mixed earthy substance, consisting of carbonate of lime, clay, and possibly sand, in very variable proportions, and accordingly designated as calcareous, clayey, or sandy.
   Important marl and marine-shell deposits are worked in Michigan, Virginia, and Florida. 1955, Robert Herman Bogue, The chemistry of portland cement, page 39
   Those loved unhappy shades whom Dante turned / To sticks and marl 2004, Peter Porter, “Why Did Dante Pick on Suicides”, in Afterburner

verb

1. (transitive) To cover with the earthy substance called marl.

Etymology 2

verb

1. (nautical) To cover, as part of a rope, with marline, marking a peculiar hitch at each turn to prevent unwinding.