marl

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.

... uneasie steps / Over the burning Marle, not like those steps / On Heavens Azure...

Mr. Greenshields was the contractor selected to build the embankment, and over a hundred thousand tons of marl and moss compacted with brushwood were used in its construction.

To cover with the earthy substance called marl.

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