hobnail
Americannoun
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a large-headed nail for protecting the soles of heavy boots and shoes.
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a small allover pattern consisting of small tufts, as on fabrics, or of small studs, as on glass.
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of hobnail
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
It is thought either a spark from a brazier or a spark from one of the girl's hobnail boots caused the explosion, which set the building alight.
From BBC ● Mar. 6, 2022
A hobnail or a piece of wampum far exceeds it.
From Forbes ● Aug. 18, 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
“That is all very true,” said the Republican Form of Government, putting on its hobnail shoes; “but consider how I thrill you every Fourth of July.”
From Fantastic Fables by Bierce, Ambrose
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
