<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?><mads xmlns="http://www.loc.gov/mads/" xmlns:mods="http://www.loc.gov/mods/v3" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.loc.gov/mads/
mads.xsd"><authority><topic authority="http://AATesaurus.cultura.gencat.cat/aat/getty_en">serving mallets</topic></authority><related type="broader"><topic>textile fabricating tools and equipment</topic></related><variant type="other"><topic>serving mallet</topic></variant> <note xml:lang="en"><![CDATA[ Hand-held wooden tools, comprising a cylindrical head with a semi-circular groove cut along its length attached to a thin handle, designed to pass serving (typically spunyarn or twine) around a rope. To facilitate serving, a method of protecting rope ends from damage by wrapping them in yarn or twine, the rope is fitted into the tool's groove and the yarn/twine is wound tightly around its head and handle. As the tool is rotated around the rope, the serving material is fed in such a way that allows it to be kept taut thus ensuring maximum tightness. Resembling a mallet, this tool is most often used by ship crews to manage rope while sailing.  ]]></note></mads>