transitive verb nipped, nipping nip′·ping

1. to catch or squeeze between two surfaces, points, or edges; pinch or bite
2. to sever (shoots, buds, etc.) by pinching or clipping
3. to check the growth or development of
4. to have a painful or injurious effect on because of cold frost nipped the plants
5. Slang
   1. to snatch
   2. to steal

Etymology: ME nippen, prob. < MLowG nippen or ON hnippa < IE *kneib- (< base *ken-, to scrape) > Gr kniptos, stingy

intransitive verb

1. to give a nip or nips
2. Brit., Informal to move quickly or nimbly: with off, away, along, etc.

noun

1. the act of nipping; pinch; bite
2. a piece nipped off; small bit
3. a stinging quality, as in cold or frosty air
4. stinging cold; frost
5. a stinging remark
6. a strong flavor; tang