I. ˈnikˌnām noun
Etymology: Middle English nekename, an additional name, alteration (resulting from incorrect division of an ekename ) of ekename, from eke (n.) + name
1. : a usually descriptive name (as Shorty, Tex) given instead of or in addition to the one belonging to a person, place, or thing
2. : a familiar form of a proper name (as Bill, Tommy)
II. transitive verb
1. : to misapply the name of (one person or thing) to another : misname , miscall
physical research is so often nicknamed ghost hunting — A.G.N.Flew
2. : to give a nickname to : call by a nickname