Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
NIDD, v., n.
I. v. To nip gently with the teeth, to nibble, as of horses biting one another's necks, or of other animals grooming their coats (Sh. 1908 Jak. (1928), Sh. 1964).
II. n. A little bit or pinch of anything, as of bread, butter, etc., a tuft of hair, or the like (Id.).
[Orig. somewhat uncertain. Cf. Norw. dial. gnita, small fragment, or nit, a prick or sting, and semantic development of Nip.]
