Emily Dickinson Lexicon

nail, n. [OE nœgel, nail.]

1. Spike; rivet; short pointed metal piece used to secure a shelter, dwelling, or circus tent.
2. Peg; hook; small piece of metal used for suspending something.
3. Hanger; [fig.] knob; pommel; [metaphor] plant; branch; tree limb.
4. Brad; stud; boss; construction item; small pointed piece of metal with a head for pounding with a hammer into timber; [fig.] instrument of crucifixion (see John 20:25); [metaphor] agony; suffering; excruciating pain.