coffin nail

a cigarette.

Origin of coffin nail

First recorded in 1885–90

The ring made of the coffin-nail, which I wore on my thumb, constantly reminded me of my vow.

Told by the Death's Head |Mr Jkai
One nail drives out another, it's true; but the worst nail you can employ is a coffin-nail.

Jack Sheppard, Vol. I (of III) |W. Harrison Ainsworth
The second day I was there I lighted a coffin-nail before one of the older officers.

Uncle Sam's Boys as Lieutenants |H. Irving Hancock
Put down those cards and chuck that coffin-nail into the stove.

Jim Spurling, Fisherman |Albert Walter Tolman

I might have been inclined, myself, to regard a coffin-nail as the deadest piece of ironmongery in the trade.

A Christmas Carol |Charles Dickens

coffin nail

a slang term for cigarette