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definitions

treenail

or tre·nail, trun·nel

[tree-neyl, tren-l, truhn-l]
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noun

a wooden pin that swells when moist, used for fastening together timbers, as those of ships.

Origin of treenail

First recorded in 1250–1300, treenail is from the Middle English word trenayl. See tree, nail
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for treenail

Historical Examples of treenail

  • "Thank God, they have retreated after all," said Mr Treenail.

    Tom Cringle's Log

    Michael Scott

  • Treenail was coolness itself, and I aped him as well as I could.

    Tom Cringle's Log

    Michael Scott

  • "The ship has sent up these rockets to warn us of our danger," said Mr Treenail.

    Tom Cringle's Log

    Michael Scott

  • True enough, Treenail; so the sooner we make a dash through the opening the better.

    Tom Cringle's Log

    Michael Scott

  • "My lads, we are now sure of your game," sung out Treenail, with great animation.

    Tom Cringle's Log

    Michael Scott

British Dictionary definitions for treenail

treenail

trenail trunnel (ˈtrʌnəl)

noun

a dowel used for pinning planks or timbers together
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012