Definitions for the word "nick" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. n.
An evil spirit of the waters.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
A notch cut into something
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
A score for keeping an account; a reckoning.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
A notch cut crosswise in the shank of a type, to assist a compositor in placing it properly in the stick, and in distribution.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
A broken or indented place in any edge or surface; nicks in china.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
A particular point or place considered as marked by a nick; the exact point or critical moment.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. v. t.
To make a nick or nicks in; to notch; to keep count of or upon by nicks; as, to nick a stick, tally, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. v. t.
To mar; to deface; to make ragged, as by cutting nicks or notches in.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. v. t.
To suit or fit into, as by a correspondence of nicks; to tally with.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. v. t.
To hit at, or in, the nick; to touch rightly; to strike at the precise point or time.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. v. t.
To make a cross cut or cuts on the under side of (the tail of a horse, in order to make him carry ir higher).
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. v. t.
To nickname; to style.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. n.
1 small cut or notch. 2 slang a prison. B police station. 3 colloq. Condition (in good nick). v. 1 make a nick or nicks in. 2 slang a steal. B arrest, catch. in the nick of time only just in time. [origin uncertain]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
14. slang
or OLD NICK, the devil.—_Scandinavian_, KNICKAR, one of the
names of Odin, as the destroying or evil principle.
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
15. slang
to hit the mark; “he’s NICKED it,” _i.e._, won his point. Also
to steal. To be “out on the NICK,” is to be out thieving. Sometimes
described as being “on the pinch.”
Source: The Slang Dictionary, 1864
Dictionary entries nearby:
Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "nick" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and
contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "nick" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history.
The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.
Important Notes
The definitions for words, phrases and slang (such as "nick") in this dictionary are sourced from multiple sources - including sources historical in nature. The sources may contain outdated, inaccurate or even offensive information when viewed from a modern context. It is important to consider the date the dictionary was published and view such content from a historical perspective and consider that the meanings, interpretations and usage of words may have evolved over time. Users should cross-reference this information with contemporary sources for a more complete understanding.
This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by any brands mentioned on the page. Trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only.