hobnail
pronunciation
How to pronounce hobnail in British English:
UK ['hɒbneɪl]
How to pronounce hobnail in American English:
US ['hɒbˌneɪl]
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- Noun:
- a short nail with a thick head; used to protect the soles of boots
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- Verb:
- supply with hobnails
Word Origin
- hobnail (n.)
- 1590s, the first element probably identical with hob "rounded peg or pin used as a mark or target in games" (1580s), of unknown origin. See hob. Because they were used to make rough shoes, the word was used figuratively for "rustic person" 17c. and after. Related: Hobnailed.
Example
- 1. It was the sound of boots , heavy hobnail boots .
- 2. In my time players had short hair , wore long shorts , and played in hobnail boots .
- 3. At 71 he faced the canvas , scrawny , grey-naked , palette and brush in hand , with just a pair of unlaced hobnail boots on his feet .
- 4. The epithelial elements were variable in cell types including cuboidal , hobnail and columnar cells .
- 5. The tumor cells are arranged in duct-like structures , irregular nests or infiltrate singly . Hobnail appearance , seen clearly in this duct , is a helpful diagnostic feature . The prognosis is generally poor .