[f. CLOUT sb.1 2, v. 3 + NAIL.]
1. A flat-headed nail for fastening a ‘wain-clout’ on an axle, etc.
1463. in Rogers, Agric. & Prices, III. 453/1. Clout nail. Ibid. (1581).
1611. Cotgr., Clou à hape, a clowte nayle.
1866. Rogers, Agric. & Prices, I. xxi. 546. By far the largest amount of information … on the various contributories to a cart is that given for cart clouts and clout-nails.
1874. Knight, Dict. Mech., Clout-nail.
2. A nail with a large and flat head used to stud or clout a surface, e.g., the soles of heavy boots.
1874. Knight, Dict. Mech., Clout-nail, used to stud timbers exposed to the action of marine borers; also in fastening leather to wood. A long blunt stub-nail for boot-soles.
1881. Mechanic, § 329. 138. The clout-nail … has a broad flat head and a round shank … terminating in a sharp point.
