nail

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nail hard terminal covering of finger and toe; small spike of metal OE.; the applications (XV) to measures of weight and length are of uncert. orig. OE. næġ(e)l = OS., OHG. nagal (Du., G. nagel), ON. nagl :- Gmc. *naʒlaz, f. an IE. base *nogh- repr. also by Lith. nāgas nail, claw, OSl. nogŭtĭ nail, noga foot. Gr. ónux, Skr. nakhá-, rel. further to L. unguis, Olr. ingen.
Hence nail vb. OE. næg̣lan.

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