Answer: doornail

AnswerCrossword Clue
DOORNAIL

Epitome of deadness

DOORNAIL

Paradigm of deadness

DOORNAIL

Symbol of deadness.

DOORNAIL
Deadness symbol
DOORNAIL
Dead as a ...
DOORNAILCarpentry item in a common simile
DOORNAILSymbol of lifelessness
DOORNAILSomething in a simile that's dead beyond doubt