v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Niggled p. pr. & vb. n. Niggling ] [ Dim. of Prov. E. nig to clip money; cf. also Prov. E. nig a small piece. ] To trifle with; to deceive; to mock. [ Obs. ] Beau. & Fl. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. i. 1. To trifle or play. [ 1913 Webster ]
Take heed, daughter, You niggle not with your conscience and religion. Massinger. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. To act or walk mincingly. [ Prov. Eng. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
3. To fret and snarl about trifles. [ Prov. Eng. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
4. (Chiefly Eng.) 1. To move about restlessly or without result; to fidget. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]
5. To be finicky or excessively critical; to potter; esp., to work with excessive care for trifling details, as in painting. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]
v. t. 1. To use, spend, or do in a petty or trifling manner. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]
2. To elaborate excessively, as in art. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]
n. One who niggles. [ 1913 Webster ]