hobnail

Meaning

Noun

1. A short nail with a thick head, typically used in boot soles.
2. (obsolete) A yokel; a rustic.

Verb

1. To fit with hobnails.
2. To tread down roughly, as with hobnailed shoes.

Synonyms

tack

drawing-pin

hob

rivet

thumbtack

large-headed nail

clout

lead nail

Etymology

From hob + nail. The oldest attestation is in William Shakespeare, but he likely did not coin the term.