nail

NAIL, noun If the word was originally applied to a claw or talon, the primary sense may be to catch, or it may be a shoot. 1. The claw or talon of a fowl or other animal. 2. The horny substance growing at the end of the human fingers and toes. 3. A small pointed piece of metal, usually with a head, to be driven into a board or other piece of timber, and serving to fasten it to other timber. The larger kinds of instruments of this sort are called spikes; and a long thin kind with a flattish head, is called a brad. 4. A stud or boss; a short nail with a large broad head. 5. A measure of length, being two inches and a quarter, or the 16th of a yard. 6. On the nail in hand; immediately; without delay or time of credit; as, to pay money on the nail 7. To hit the nail on the head, to hit or touch the exact point. NAIL, verb transitive 1. To fasten with nails; to unite, close or make compact with nails. 2. To stud with nails. 3. To stop the vent of a cannon; to spike.