Nail

nāl, n. one of the flattened, elastic, horny plates placed as protective coverings on the dorsal surface of the terminal phalanges of the fingers and toes: the claw of a bird or other animal: a thin pointed piece of metal for fastening wood: a measure of length (2¼ inches):— v.t. to fasten with nails: to make certain: to confirm, pin down, hold fast: to catch or secure through promptitude; to trip up or expose.— ns. Nail′-brush , a small brush for cleaning the nails; Nail′er , one whose trade is to make nails; Nail′ery , a place where nails are made.— adj. Nail′-head′ed , having a head like that of a nail: formed like nail-heads, said of ornamental marks on cloth and on certain kinds of mouldings ( dog-tooth ).— n. Nail′-rod , a strip cut from an iron plate to be made into nails: a trade name for a strong kind of manufactured tobacco.— Nail to the counter , to expose publicly as false, from the habit of nailing a counterfeit coin to a shop counter.— Drive a nail in one's coffin (see Coffin ); Hit the nail on the head , to touch the exact point; On the nail , on the spot: immediately: without delay. [A.S. nægel ; Ger. nagel .]