[nigh] adv [ME, fr. OE neah; akin to OHG nah, adv., nigh, prep., nigh, after, ON na- nigh] (bef. 12c) 1: near in place, time, or relationship--often used with on, onto, or unto
2: nearly, almost
[2]nigh adj (bef. 12c) 1: close, near
2. chiefly dial: direct, short
3: being on the left side "the ~ horse" [3]nigh prep (bef. 12c): near [4]nigh vt (13c): to draw or come near to: approach ~ vi: to draw near