hobnail

American  

[hob-neyl] / ˈhɒbˌneɪl /

noun

1. a large-headed nail for protecting the soles of heavy boots and shoes.

2. a small allover pattern consisting of small tufts, as on fabrics, or of small studs, as on glass.

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hobnail British  

/ ˈhɒbˌneɪl /

noun

1. 1. a short nail with a large head for protecting the soles of heavy footwear

   2. ( as modifier )

      hobnail boots

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Other Word Forms

• hobnailed adjective

Etymology

Origin of hobnail

First recorded in 1585–95; hob ¹ + nail

Example Sentences

Mystery surrounds the appearance of hundreds of Victorian hobnailed shoes which have washed ashore on a beach.

From BBC

During his many trips to abandoned mines around mid Wales he has found a child's footprint, hobnail boots, tools, miners' gloves and a 170-year-old barrow "still where the miner originally left it".

From BBC

A beefy man in hobnail cowboy boots met me at a swanky hotel in Dubai, then said he was reluctant to take on such a small but difficult job.

From Salon

The word "hobnail" first appears in a text attributed to Shakespeare, but it's difficult to imagine it arose from a creative poetic act.

From Salon

Mallory and Irvine, wearing wool and gabardine, hobnailed leather boots and homemade oxygen sets, disappeared into a swirling cloud on that fateful day, never to be seen alive again.

From Salon