Nos"tril (?), n. [OE. nosethril,
nosethirl, AS. nospyrl; nos for nosu nose
+ pyrel opening, hole, from pyrel pierced, for
pyrhel, fr. purh through. ? See Nose, and
Through, and cf. Thrill.]
1. (Anat.) One of the external
openings of the nose, which give passage to the air breathed and to
secretions from the nose and eyes; one of the anterior
nares.
☞ In sperm whales, porpoises, and allied animals, there is
only one nostril, which is situated on the top of the head and called
a spiracle.
2. Perception; insight; acuteness.
[Obs.]
Methinks a man
Of your sagacity and clear nostril should
Have made another choice.
B. Jonson.