Nail

For fastening. (1.) Hebrew yathed, “piercing,” a peg or nail of any material (Ezek. 15:3), more especially a tent-peg (Ex. 27:19; 35:18; 38:20), with one of which Jael (q.v.) pierced the temples of Sisera (Judg. 4:21, 22). This word is also used metaphorically (Zech. 10:4) for a prince or counsellor, just as “the battle-bow” represents a warrior. (2.) Masmer, a “point,” the usual word for a nail. The words of the wise are compared to “nails fastened by the masters of assemblies” (Eccl. 12:11, A.V.). The Revised Version reads, “as nails well fastened are the words of the masters,” etc. Others (as Plumptre) read, “as nails fastened are the masters of assemblies” (comp. Isa. 22:23; Ezra 9:8). David prepared nails for the temple (1 Chr. 22:3; 2 Chr. 3:9). The nails by which our Lord was fixed to the cross are mentioned (John 20:25; Col. 2:14). Nail of the finger (Heb. tsipporen, “scraping”). To “pare the nails” is in Deut. 21:12 (marg., “make,” or “dress,” or “suffer to grow”) one of the signs of purification, separation from former heathenism (comp. Lev. 14:8; Num. 8:7). In Jer. 17:1 this word is rendered “point.”

NAIL. 1. of the finger - The direction, Deut 21:12, in regard to the treatment of the captive woman's nails is translated in the text of the A.V. "pare her nails;" in the margin, "suffer to grow." The text is probably correct, as the general intention of the treatment was to make her lay aside all belonging to her condition as an alien. Of a tent or house. - Two Hebrew words are thus translated: (1.) The tent-peg or pin, likewise a stake. Isa 22:25; 2 Chr 33:20; Ex 27:19. That which fastened the cloth in the loom was called a pin. Jud 16:14. The word, metaphorically, is that which gives support or keeps together - e.g., the prince. Zech 10:4. (2.) A nail of iron, 1 Chr 22:3, or of gold. 2 Chr 3:9.

NAIL. 1. of the finger - The direction, Deut 21:12, in regard to the treatment of the captive woman's nails is translated in the text of the A.V. "pare her nails;" in the margin, "suffer to grow." The text is probably correct, as the general intention of the treatment was to make her lay aside all belonging to her condition as an alien.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. the horny scale of plate of epidermis at the end of the fingers and toes of man and many apes. His nayles like a briddes claws were. Chaucer.

2. The basal thickened portion of the anterior wings of certain hemiptera.

3. The terminal horny plate on the beak of ducks, and other allied birds.

4. A slender, pointed piece of metal, usually with a head, used for fastening pieces of wood or other material together, by being driven into or through them.

5. A measure of length, being two inches and a quarter, or the sixteenth of a yard. Nail ball (Ordnance), a round projectile with an iron bolt protruding to prevent it from turning in the gun. -- Nail plate, iron in plates from which cut nails are made. -- On the nail, in hand; on the spot; immediately; without delay or time of credit; as, to pay money on the nail. "You shall have ten thousand pounds on the nail." Beaconsfield. -- To hit the nail on the head, to hit most effectively; to do or say a thing in the right way.

Part of speech: verb (v.)

1. To fasten with a nail or nails; to close up or secure by means of nails; as, to nail boards to the beams. He is now dead, and nailed in his chest. Chaucer.

2. To stud or boss with nails, or as with nails. The rivets of your arms were nailed with gold. Dryden.

3. To fasten, as with a nail; to bind or hold, as to a bargain or to acquiescence in an argument or assertion; hence, to catch; to trap. When they came to talk of places in town, you saw at once how I nailed them. Goldsmith.

4. To spike, as a cannon. [Obs.] Crabb. To nail a lie or an assertion, etc., to detect and expose it, so as to put a stop to its currency; -- an expression probably derived from the former practice of shopkeepers, who were accustomed to nail bad or counterfeit pieces of money to the counter.