I. ˈnip verb
( nipped ; nip·ping )
Etymology: Middle English nippen; akin to Middle Dutch nipen to pinch, Old Norse hnippa to prod
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1.
a. : to catch hold of and squeeze tightly between two surfaces, edges, or points : pinch , bite
the dog nipped his ankle
b. : to pinch in (as a garment)
a dress nipped at the waist
2.
a. : to sever by or as if by pinching sharply
b. : to destroy the growth, progress, or fulfillment of
nipped in the bud
3. : to injure or make numb with cold : chill
4. : snatch , steal
5. : to defeat by a small margin
intransitive verb
1. : to move briskly, nimbly, or quickly
2. chiefly British : to make a quick trip
II. noun
Date: 1549
1. : something that nips: as
a. archaic : a sharp biting comment
b. : a sharp stinging cold
a nip in the air
c. : a biting or pungent flavor : tang
cheese with a nip
2. : the act of nipping : pinch , bite
3. : the region of a squeezing or crushing device (as a calender) where the rolls or jaws are closest together
4. : a small portion
III. noun
Etymology: probably from nipperkin, a liquor container
Date: circa 1796
: a small quantity of liquor : sip ; also : a very small bottle of liquor
IV. intransitive verb
( nipped ; nip·ping )
Date: 1887
: to take liquor in nips : tipple