NAIL, n. If the word was originally applied to a claw or talon, the primary sense may be to catch, or it may be a shoot.
1. The claw or talon of a fowl or other animal.
2. The horny substance growing at the end of the human fingers and toes.
3. A small pointed piece of metal, usually with a head, to be driven into a board or other piece of timber, and serving to fasten it to other timber. The larger kinds of instruments of this sort are called spikes and a long thin kind with a flattish head, is called a brad.
4. A stud or boss a short nail with a large broad head.
5. A measure of length, being two inches and a quarter, or the 16th of a yard.
6. On the nail, in hand immediately without delay or time of credit as, to pay money on the nail.
7. To hit the nail on the head, to hit or touch the exact point.
NAIL,
1. To fasten with nails to unite, close or make compact with nails.
2. To stud with nails.
3. To stop the vent of a cannon to spike.