— niggler , n.
/nig"euhl/ , v.i. , niggled, niggling .
1. to criticize, esp. constantly or repeatedly, in a peevish or petty way; carp: to niggle about the fine points of interpretation; preferring to niggle rather than take steps to correct a situation.
2. to spend too much time and effort on inconsequential details: It's difficult to be meticulous and not niggle.
3. to work ineffectively; trifle: to niggle with an uninteresting task.
[ 1610-20; nigla to be penurious (ult. hnøggr stingy, c. OE hneaw ); cf. NIGGARD ]