- nip
-
nip1
/nip/, v., nipped, nipping, n.v.t.1. to squeeze or compress tightly between two surfaces or points; pinch; bite.2. to take off by pinching, biting, or snipping (usually fol. by off): He nipped off a piece of steak and gave it to the dog.3. to check in growth or development.4. to affect sharply and painfully or injuriously, as a very cold temperature: a cold wind that nips the fingers.5. Informal. to snatch away suddenly.6. Informal. to defeat (an opponent) by a very close margin; edge.7. Informal. to steal or pilfer.8. Naut.a. (of ice) to press (a ship) from opposite sides.b. to seize (a taut rope) to another rope.v.i.9. Chiefly Brit. Slang. to leave stealthily; sneak away; flee (often fol. by away).n.11. an act of nipping; a pinch or small bite: The dog took several nips at our heels.12. a biting quality, as in cold or frosty air: There's a nip in the air this morning.13. sharp cold; a sharp touch of frost: The trees had felt the first nip of winter.14. a sharp or biting remark.15. a biting taste or tang, esp. in some cheese.16. a small bit or quantity of anything: a nip of bread to stave off hunger.17. Naut.a. an abrupt turn or twist in a rope.b. a part of a rope or chain bound by a seizing or nipper.18. Usually, nips. nipper (def. 2).19. nip and tuck, with each competitor equaling or closely contesting the speed, scoring, or efforts of the other: It was nip and tuck as to which sailboat would reach port first.[1350-1400; ME nyppe to pinch < ON hnippa to poke, thrust]Syn. 4. freeze, bite, pierce, cut, chill.nip2/nip/, n., v., nipped, nipping.n.1. a small drink of alcoholic liquor; sip: a person who relishes an occasional nip.2. Chiefly Brit. split (def. 29).v.t., v.i.3. to drink (alcoholic liquor) in small sips, esp. repeatedly.[1690-1700; < D nippen to sip; in def. 2, short for earlier nipperkin vessel holding half-pint or less]
* * *
Universalium. 2010.