[f. prec.] = SPARABLE 1.

1

  The application in quot. 1834–6 is irregular, a sparrow-bill being properly distinct from a brad, and having no projection.

2

1629.  Dekker, London’s Tempe, iv. Wks. 1873, IV. 123. Hobnailes to serve the man i’ th’ moone, And sparrowbils to cloute Pan’s shoone.

3

1688.  R. Holme, Armoury, III. 300/1. Sparrow Bills, Nails to clout Shooes withal.

4

1706.  [see SPARABLE 1].

5

1834–6.  P. Barlow, in Encycl. Metrop. (1845), VIII. 671/1. The kind of brads called sparrow-bills, (which have a small projection from one side of their heads).

6

1879.  Cassell’s Techn. Educ., IV. 12/1. Those small tacks called sparrowbills, which are much used by shoemakers.

7

  attrib. and Comb.  1859.  Sala, Gas-light & D., xxxiii. 387. White drawers and stockings, flaring waist-handkerchiefs and sparrow-bill shoes.

8

1881.  Instr. Census Clerks (1885), 91. Sparrow-bill Cutter, Maker.

9