/nuy/ , adv., adj., nigher, nighest , prep., v.
adv.
1. near in space, time, or relation: The time draws nigh.
2. nearly; almost; (often fol. by on or onto ): nigh onto twenty years.
adj.
3. near; approaching: Evening is nigh.
4. short or direct: to take the nighest route.
5. (of an animal or vehicle) being on the left side: to be astride the nigh horse.
6. Archaic. parsimonious; stingy.
prep.
7. near.
v.i. , v.t.
8. Archaic. to approach.
[ bef. 900; ME nigh ( e ), neye, OE neah, neh, c. D na, G nahe, ON na-, Goth nehw, nehwa; cf. NEAR, NEXT ]