1. plural of calking; the act or process of sealing seams in a ship's hull with oakum and tar to make it watertight
Usage: nautical; also spelled 'caulkings'
2. plural of calking; metal spikes or projections attached to the soles of shoes or horseshoes to improve traction on ice or slippery surfaces
Usage: also spelled 'caulkings'

Examples

• The shipwright performed the calkings to ensure the vessel would not leak during its voyage.
• Proper calkings of the hull seams were essential for the ship's seaworthiness.
• The horse's hooves were fitted with calkings to prevent slipping on the icy road.
• Winter boots with calkings provided better grip on frozen surfaces.
• The crew spent weeks on calkings before the ship was ready to launch.