spike (subs.) Copy link Outline I. An ear of grain, etc.II. A kind of large nail or pointed iron1. clāvus (trăbālis)2. cuspis, ĭdis, f. (the pointed head of a weapon) • spike (subs.): I. An ear of grain, etc.: spīca: Cic.: Virg. Used of heads of various plants, as garlic, etc.: Cato R. R. 70. II. A kind of large nail or pointed iron: 1. clāvus (trăbālis): Hor. Od. 1, 35, 18: Cic. 2. cuspis, ĭdis, f. (the pointed head of a weapon): poles with iron s.s fastened at the end, asseres cuspidibus praefixi, Caes. B. C. 2, 2.