Webster's English Dictionary

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oakum

oa.kum \'o--k*m\ n [ME okum, fr. OE a-cumba tow, fr. a-- (separative & 
   per]fective prefix) + -cumba (akin to OE camb comb) - more at ABIDE : 
   loosely twisted hemp or jute fiber impregnated with tar or a tar derivat 
   ive and used in caulking seams and packing joints