'Supernaculum' definitions:

Definition of 'Supernaculum'

From: GCIDE
  • Supernaculum \Su`per*nac"u*lum\, adv. & n. [NL., from L. super over + G. nagel, a nail, as of the finger, or a corruption of L. super and ungulam claw.]
  • 1. A kind of mock Latin term intended to mean, upon the nail; -- used formerly by topers. --Nares. [1913 Webster]
  • Drinking super nagulum [supernaculum], a device of drinking, new come out of France, which is, after a man hath turned up the bottom of the cup, to drop it on his nail and make a pearl with that is left; which if it slide, and he can not make it stand on by reason there is too much, he must drink again for his penance. --Nash. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Good liquor, of which not enough is left to wet one's nail. --Grose. [1913 Webster]