The Public School Word-book / A conribution to to a historical glossary of words phrases and turns of expression obsolete and in current use peculiar to our great public schools together with some that have been or are modish at the universities

by John Stephen Farmer

Nick, verb (Durham).—To pray.

Nicks, intj. (Manchester Grammar).—Cave! Look out! [Said also to be common in Manchester as a warning of the approach of the police.] See Appendix.

Niff, verb (Derby).—To smell.

Nig, subs. (Christ’s Hospital).—A dodge. Obsolete.

Nigshious, adj. (Christ’s Hospital).—Ingenious: e.g. “a NIGSHIOUS dodge.” Obsolete.

Nihil-ad-rem, adj. (Winchester).—Vague; unconscious. Ex. “He sported NIHIL-AD-REM ducks.”

Nine Steps. See Kittle-nine-steps.

Nipper, subs. (Loretto).—Originally a boy of the lowest Form: since there has been a preparatory House the term is applied to all the boys there.

Nipperkin, subs. (Winchester: obsolete).—A stone jug used for serving beer in College between meals. Tea has long been substituted for beer.

c. 1696. B. E., Dict. Cant. Crew, s.v. Nipperkin. Half a pint of Wine, and but half a Quartern of Brandy, strong waters, &c.