hobnail

/'hɔbneil/

Thân thiện

A cobbler hammers a hobnail into the sole of a leather boot.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A short, heavy nail with a large, thick head, traditionally used to reinforce the soles of heavy boots or shoes to provide durability and traction.

2. Verb (transitive):

   • To furnish or stud (something, typically a boot sole) with hobnails.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The old soldier's boots were studded with iron hobnails.
  • You could hear the clatter of hobnails on the cobblestone street.

• Verb:

  • The cobbler will hobnail the new leather soles for added wear.
  • These work boots are hobnailed for better grip on slippery surfaces.

Advanced Usage

• "Hobnail liver": A medical term describing the appearance of a liver affected by cirrhosis, where the surface is covered with small, uniform nodules resembling the heads of hobnails.
  • The biopsy revealed a hobnail liver, consistent with advanced cirrhosis.

Variants and Related Words

• Hobnailed (adjective): Fitted or studded with hobnails.
  • He wore a pair of hobnailed boots for the hike.

Synonyms

• Noun: Stud, cleat, tack.
• Verb: Stud, reinforce, cleat.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

Related Idioms

Học thuật

Noun

1. a short nail with a thick head; used to protect the soles of boots

Verb

1. supply with hobnails