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niggle - 7 dictionary results

nig⋅gle

[nig-uhl]
–verb (used without object), -gled, -gling.
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.

Origin:
1610–20; < Scand; cf. Norw nigla to be penurious (ult. < ON hnøggr stingy, c. OE hnēaw); cf. niggard


niggler, noun
nig·gle   (nĭg'əl)   
intr.v.   nig·gled, nig·gling, nig·gles
  1. To be preoccupied with trifles or petty details.
  2. To find fault constantly and trivially; carp. See Synonyms at quibble.

[Perhaps of Scandinavian origin.]
nig'gler n.

Niggle

Nig"gle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Niggled; p. pr. & vb. n. Niggling.] [Dim. of Prov. E. nig to clip money; cf. also Prov. E. nig a small piece.] To trifle with; to deceive; to mock. [Obs.] --Beau. & Fl.

Niggle

Nig"gle\, v. t. 1. To trifle or play.

Take heed, daughter, You niggle not with your conscience and religion. --Massinger.

2. To act or walk mincingly. [Prov. Eng.]

3. To fret and snarl about trifles. [Prov. Eng.]

Niggle

Nig"gle\, v. t. 1. To use, spend, or do in a petty or trifling manner.

2. To elaborate excessively, as in art.

Niggle

Nig"gle\, v. i. (Chiefly Eng.) 1. To move about restlessly or without result; to fidget.

2. To be finicky or excessively critical; to potter; esp., to work with excessive care for trifling details, as in painting.

niggle 
1599 (implied in niggling), possibly from a Scand. source (cf. Norw. dial. nigla "be busy with trifles"), perhaps related to source of niggard.
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