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nipped - 4 dictionary results

nip

1  [nip] verb, nipped, nip⋅ping, noun
Use nipped in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to squeeze or compress tightly between two surfaces or points; pinch; bite.
2. to take off by pinching, biting, or snipping (usually fol. by off): He nipped off a piece of steak and gave it to the dog.
3. to check in growth or development.
4. to affect sharply and painfully or injuriously, as a very cold temperature: a cold wind that nips the fingers.
5. Informal. to snatch away suddenly.
6. Informal. to defeat (an opponent) by a very close margin; edge.
7. Informal. to steal or pilfer.
8. Nautical.
a. (of ice) to press (a ship) from opposite sides.
b. to seize (a taut rope) to another rope.
–verb (used without object)
9. Chiefly British Slang. to leave stealthily; sneak away; flee (often fol. by away).
–noun
10. an act of nipping; a pinch or small bite: The dog took several nips at our heels.
11. a biting quality, as in cold or frosty air: There's a nip in the air this morning.
12. sharp cold; a sharp touch of frost: The trees had felt the first nip of winter.
13. a sharp or biting remark.
14. a biting taste or tang, esp. in some cheese.
15. a small bit or quantity of anything: a nip of bread to stave off hunger.
16. Nautical.
a. an abrupt turn or twist in a rope.
b. a part of a rope or chain bound by a seizing or nipper.
17. Usually, nips. nipper (def. 2).
—Idioms
18. nip and tuck, with each competitor equaling or closely contesting the speed, scoring, or efforts of the other: It was nip and tuck as to which sailboat would reach port first.
19. nip in the bud. bud 1 (def. 11).
Origin:
1350–1400; ME nyppe to pinch < ON hnippa to poke, thrust

Synonyms:
4. freeze, bite, pierce, cut, chill.

nip

2  [nip] noun, verb, nipped, nip⋅ping.
–noun
1. a small drink of alcoholic liquor; sip: a person who relishes an occasional nip.
2. Chiefly British. split (def. 27).
–verb (used with object), verb (used without object)
3. to drink (alcoholic liquor) in small sips, esp. repeatedly.
Origin:
1690–1700; < D nippen to sip; in def. 2, short for earlier nipperkin vessel holding half-pint or less
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To nipped
nip 1   (nĭp)   
v.   nipped, nip·ping, nips

v.   tr.
  1. To seize and pinch or bite: The fish nipped the wader's toe.
  2. To remove or sever by pinching or snipping: nipped off the plant leaf.
  3. To bite or sting with the cold; chill.
  4. To check or cut off the growth or development of: a conspiracy that was nipped in the bud by the police. See Synonyms at blast.
  5. Slang
    1. To snatch up hastily.
    2. To take (the property of another) unlawfully; steal.
v.   intr. Chiefly British
To move quickly; dart.
n.  
  1. The act or an instance of seizing or pinching.
    1. A pinch or snip that cuts off or removes a small part: He gave a small nip to each corner of the cloth.
    2. The small bit or portion so removed: There were nips of construction paper all over the child's table.
    3. A sharp, stinging quality, as of frosty air.
    4. Severely sharp cold or frost.
    1. A sharp, stinging quality, as of frosty air.
    2. Severely sharp cold or frost.
  4. A cutting remark.
  5. A sharp, biting flavor; a tang: the nip of Mexican salsa.

[Middle English nippen, perhaps from Middle Dutch nipen.]
nip 2   (nĭp)   
n.  A small amount of liquor.
v.   nipped, nip·ping, nips

v.   tr.
To sip (alcoholic liquor) in small amounts: had been nipping brandy.
v.   intr.
To take a sip or sips of alcoholic liquor: nips all day long.

[Probably short for nipperkin, of Dutch or Low German origin.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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