treenail

or tre·nail, trun·nel

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

noun

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

treenail

/ ˈtriːneɪl; ˈtrɛnəl; ˈtrʌnəl /

noun

1. a dowel used for pinning planks or timbers together

Word History and Origins

Origin of treenail¹

First recorded in 1250–1300, treenail is from the Middle English word trenayl. See tree, nail

Example Sentences

A treenail driven in here and there serves to keep all in place by nipping the cross poles tightly.

From Project Gutenberg

This, after being faced and hewn with the adze, is passed through a double-handed cutting instrument known as a treenail tool.

From Project Gutenberg

In wild countries any tough straight-grained wood may be selected for treenail making.

From Project Gutenberg

The perch bolt (D) should be an iron pin, but may be a hard wood treenail.

From Project Gutenberg

When we found that no one was inside we told Captain Treenail of the man we had seen climbing up the cliff.

From Project Gutenberg