nicker

¹

[ nik-er ]

noun

1. a person or thing that nicks.

nicker

²

[ nik-er ]

verb (used without object)

, Chiefly Midland and Southern U.S.

1. neigh ( def ).
2. laugh; snicker.

nicker

³

[ nik-er ]

noun

, plural nick·er·er, nick·ers

1. British Slang. one pound sterling.
2. Australian. money.

nicker

¹

/ ˈnɪkə /

noun

1. slang.
   a pound sterling

nicker

²

/ ˈnɪkə /

verb

1. (of a horse) to neigh softly
2. to laugh quietly; snigger

Word History and Origins

Origin of nicker¹

First recorded in 1660–70; nick + -er ¹

Origin of nicker²

First recorded in 1785–95; apparently variant of nicher, neigher, frequentative of neigh; -er ⁶

Origin of nicker³

First recorded in 1875–80; perhaps special use of nicker ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of nicker¹

C20: of unknown origin

Origin of nicker²

C18: perhaps from neigh

Example Sentences

He knew her step afar off, and his soft nicker never failed to welcome her as she drew near.

From Project Gutenberg

Jamie held out the sugar, and Gov'ner, with a little nicker, took it carefully from the boy's hand.

From Project Gutenberg

With a little nicker of delight, it trotted to Peanut's side and stood rubbing its nose against the other pony's shoulder.

From Project Gutenberg

The youth did not hear the regular beat of hoofs as Williams loped up, until the colt, stilt-legged, emitted a weak nicker.

From Project Gutenberg

"All right," she acquiesced readily, the nicker of a smile about her lips quickly suppressed.

From Project Gutenberg