English Explanatory Dictionary

hobnail

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A short nail with a thick head, typically used in boot soles.
  2. A yokel; a rustic.
verb
  1. To fit with hobnails.
  2. To tread down roughly, as with hobnailed shoes.

Word forms

hobnail hobnails hobnailing hobnailed

Etymology

From hob + nail. The oldest attestation is in William Shakespeare, but he likely did not coin the term.

Derived words

hobnail boot hobnailer hobnail liver
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