"A large nail or pin, generally of iron. The larger forms of spikes, particularly railroad spikes, are chisel-pointed, and have a head or fang projecting to one side to bite the rail. Spikes are also made split, barbed, grooved, and of other shapes." —Whitney, 1889
<p>Illustration of a dock spike, used in building docks and piers.

Dock Spike

"A large nail or pin, generally of iron. The larger forms of spikes, particularly railroad spikes, are…