hobnail

[ hob-neyl ]

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.

hobnail

/ ˈhɒbˌneɪl /

noun

1. 1. a short nail with a large head for protecting the soles of heavy footwear
   2. ( as modifier )

      hobnail boots

Derived Forms

• ˈhobˌnailed, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hobnail¹

First recorded in 1585–95; hob ¹ + nail

Word History and Origins

Origin of hobnail¹

C16: from hob ¹(in the archaic sense: peg) + nail

Example Sentences

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

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