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Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This

nig·gle

Audio Help [nig-uh

l] Pronunciation Key

–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 hnéaw); cf. niggard

]

—Related forms

niggler, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
niggle

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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

nig·gle Audio Help (nĭg'əl) Pronunciation Key
intr.v. nig·gled, nig·gling, nig·gles

To be preoccupied with trifles or petty details.
To find fault constantly and trivially; carp. See Synonyms at quibble.

[Perhaps of Scandinavian origin.]

nig'gler n.

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Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
niggle

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

WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This

niggle
verb
1.	worry unnecessarily or excessively; "don't fuss too much over the grandchildren--they are quite big now" [syn: fuss]
2.	argue over petty things; "Let's not quibble over pennies" [syn: quibble]

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

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.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

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.]

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Niggle

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

2. To elaborate excessively, as in art.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This

Niggle