niggle

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.4 Verb 1.4.1 Derived terms

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

First attested in 1599. Origin uncertain, but likely from Old Norse nigla and/or nugla. Possibly cognate to niggard.

[edit] Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɪɡəl

[edit] Noun

niggle (plural niggles)

1. A minor complaint or problem.
2. (obsolete) Small, cramped handwriting.

[edit] Verb

to niggle (third-person singular simple present niggles, present participle niggling, simple past and past participle niggled)

1. To trifle with; to deceive; to mock.
2. To dwell too much on minor points.
3. To fidget, fiddle, be restless.

[edit] Derived terms

• niggly