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

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 • Dec. 15, 2022

A hobnail or a piece of wampum far exceeds it. 

From Forbes • Aug. 18, 2014

Nostalgic fans, meanwhile, pined for a charismatic saviour, a man like Stanley Matthews, who could stand a foreign full-back on his head wearing hobnail boots.

From BBC • Jan. 13, 2014

Slit sleeves appeared to fall away from jacket shoulders; hobnail boots sprouted gnarls, and stilettos had carved iris heels.

From New York Times • Oct. 5, 2010

Convict coloured stockings and vast hobnail boots finished him below, and all his luggage was a borrowed rucksac that he had tied askew.

From The New Machiavelli by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)