[SPIKE sb.2 Cf. MDu. and LG. spikernagel, MHG. spîchernagel (G. dial. speichernagel).] A large and strong nail, now spec. one upwards of three (or four) inches in length, with a small head.
1314–5. MS. Acc. Exch. K. R., Bdle. 492 No. 19 (P.R.O.). Item in C spiknail emptis, v d.
1562. Ludlow Churchw. Acc. (Camden), 109. For spyke nayles to make the pewe.
c. 1608. in Swayne, Sarum Churchw. Acc. (1896), 160. viij long spike nayles for the Refters, 12 d.
1769. Falconer, Dict. Marine, s.v. Kelson, It [the kelson] is secured by spike-nails [to the floor-timbers and crotches].
1783. Phil. Trans., LXXII. 367. The spike-nail which had fastened the lead to it appeared perfectly sound.
1807. W. Irving, Salmag. (1824), 198. He put a good store of beads, spike-nails and looking-glasses in his trunk.
1866. Harvard Mem. Biogr., F. C. Hopkinson, II. 21. The method … was … to strike them alternately with a large Spike-nail.
