nick

Language: EN · Kind: word · Transcription: [/nɪk/]

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Senses

1. nick (noun) — sense 1

Definition: A small cut in a surface.: A particular place or point considered as marked by a nick; the exact point or critical moment.

Example: in the nick of time

2. nick (noun) — sense 2

Definition: A small cut in a surface.: A notch cut crosswise in the shank of a type, to assist a compositor in placing it properly in the stick, and in distribution.

Example: A nick is a hollow cast crossways in the shanks of types, to make a distinction readily between differnt sorts and sizes; and to enable the compositor to perceive quickly the bottom of the letter as it lies in the case, when composing; as nicks are always cast on that side of the shank on which the bottom of the face of the letter is placed. A great deal of inconvenience frequently arises, owing to the founders casting different founts of types with a similar nick in each.

3. nick (noun) — sense 3

Definition: Senses connoting something small.: A small deflection of the ball off the edge of the bat, often going to the wicket-keeper for a catch.

Example: Just as a judge may mistakenly believe in the credibility of a clever liar, thereby reaching an 'incorrect decision', an umpire dealing with the blur of a fast bowler and listening for a nick of the bat, or lifting his eyes quickly from the bowler's front foot to follow the flight and pitch of the ball to determine if the batter is out LBW [leg before wicket], can easily be mistaken.

4. nick (verb) — sense 4

Definition: To make a nick or notch in; to cut or scratch in a minor way.

Example: I nicked myself while I was shaving.

5. nick (verb) — sense 5

Definition: To make a nick or notch in; to cut or scratch in a minor way.: To make ragged or uneven, as by cutting nicks or notches in; to deface, to mar.

Example: The itch of his Affection ſhould not then / Haue nickt his Captain-ſhip, at ſuch a point, / When halfe to halfe the world oppos'd, he being / The meered queſtion?

6. nick (verb) — sense 6

Definition: To make a nick or notch in; to cut or scratch in a minor way.: To make a crosscut or cuts on the underside of (the tail of a horse, in order to make the animal carry it higher).

Example: The barbarous custom of docking and nicking the tail, and cutting the ears of horses, is too prevalent. [...] [I]n the loss of their tail, they find even a still greater inconvenience. During summer they are perpetually teazed with swarms of insects that either attempt to suck their blood or deposit their eggs in the rectum, which they have no means of lashing off; and in winter they are deprived of a necessary defence against the cold. [From the Boston Yankee.]

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