| E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898. |
| | | Nails driven into Cottage Walls. | | |
|
This was a Roman practice, under the notion that it kept off the plague. L. Manlius was named dictator (A.U.C. 390) “to drive the nail.” | 1 |
|
Our cottagers still nail horseshoes to thresholds to ward off evil spirits. Mr. Coutts, the banker, had two rusty horseshoes fastened on the highest step outside Holly Lodge. | 2 |
| |
|
|
