For fastening.

(1.) Hebrew yathed, "piercing," a peg or nail of any material (Ezek. 15:3), more especially a tent-peg (Exodus 27:19; 35:18; 38:20), with one of which Jael (q.v.) pierced the temples of Sisera (Judges 4:21, 22). This word is also used metaphorically (Zechariah 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" (Ecclesiastes 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. Isaiah 22:23; Ezra 9:8). David prepared nails for the temple (1 Chronicles 22:3; 2 Chronicles 3:9). The nails by which our Lord was fixed to the cross are mentioned (John 20:25; Colossians 2:14).

Nail of the finger (Hebrews tsipporen, "scraping"). To "pare the nails" is in Deuteronomy 21:12 (marg., "make, " or "dress, " or "suffer to grow") one of the signs of purification, separation from former heathenism (Comp. Leviticus 14:8; Numbers 8:7). In Jeremiah 17:1 this word is rendered "point."

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) the horny scale of plate of epidermis at the end of the fingers and toes of man and many apes.

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

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

4. (n.) 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. (n.) A measure of length, being two inches and a quarter, or the sixteenth of a yard.

6. (n.) To fasten with a nail or nails; to close up or secure by means of nails; as, to nail boards to the beams.

7. (n.) To stud or boss with nails, or as with nails.

8. (n.) 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.

9. (n.) To spike, as a cannon.