nip

nip

nip¹ [nip]

vt.

nipped, nipping [ME nippen, prob. < MLowG nippen or ON hnippa < IE * kneib- (< base * ken-, to scrape) > Gr kniptos, stingy]

1. to catch or squeeze between two surfaces, points, or edges; pinch or bite

2. to sever (shoots, buds, etc.) by pinching or clipping

3. to check the growth or development of

4. to have a painful or injurious effect on because of cold [frost nipped the plants]

5. Slang

a) to snatch

b) to steal

vi.

1. to give a nip or nips

2. [Brit. Informal] to move quickly or nimbly: with off, away, along, etc.

n.

1. the act of nipping; pinch; bite

2. a piece nipped off; small bit

3. a stinging quality, as in cold or frosty air

4. stinging cold; frost

5. a stinging remark

6. a strong flavor; tang

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☆ nip and tuck

so close, even, or critical as to leave the outcome in doubt; neck and neck

nip² [nip]

n.

[prob. contr. < nipperkin < Du nippertje, small measure for liquors < base of nippen, to sip, prob. akin to NIP¹]

a small drink of liquor; dram; sip

vt., vi.

nipped, nipping

to drink (liquor) in nips