Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

†NEED-NAIL, n., v. Also neidnail.

I. n. A clinched nail. Used fig. in quot.Sc. a.1732 T. Boston Works (1853) III. 568:
Who will not humble themselves . . . will find their obstinacy a need-nail, that will keep their misery ever fast on them.

II. v. To fasten securely by means of clinched nails (Sc. 1808 Jam.).Per. 1752 Session Papers, Town Council Perth v. Wood, State of Process 23:
The gate was need-nailed.Sc. 1773 Weekly Mag. (10 June) 350:
It surely is an incumbent duty, either to stanchel or need-nail their windows, in order to prevent the like unlucky accidents happening.Sc. 1808 Jam.:
A window is said to be neidnail'd when it is so fixed with nails in the inside that the sash cannot be lifted up.