cork v also cark* [phonetics unavailable]. Cp OED caulk v 1; DARE ~ v² 4 'to make tight against leakage; to caulk' (1823-). To wedge (material) in seams to prevent leakage; hence vbl n carking iron [phonetics unavailable]: metal chisel used to wedge oakum in seams of a boat or other object, corking mallet.
   1945 MARTIN [5] Yes, please God! the month of May will hear my corkin' mallet ring. T 58-64 The coffin was leaky. And I hauled it ashore and I corked it and I tarred it. T 203-65 They roll it till they gets a little thread about a half inch big. They'll lay it along the seam and cark it in with the carkin' iron. 1984 POWELL 24 We built a new house for the winter. This was a studded one, caulked [for carked*] with moss. 1988 GOSSE 21 Crews would first cork and pitch their boats, and if necessary repair or replace standing and running gear.

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