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.”
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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.
