niggle Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb worry unnecessarily or excessively
    fuss; fret.
    • don't fuss too much over the grandchildren--they are quite big now
  2. verb argue over petty things
    squabble; pettifog; bicker; brabble; quibble.
    • Let's not quibble over pennies

WordNet

Nig"gle transitive verb
Etymology
Dim. of Prov. E. nig to clip money; cf. also Prov. E. nig a small piece.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Niggled ; present participle & verbal noun Niggling
Definitions
  1. To trifle with; to deceive; to mock. Obs. Beau. & Fl.
Nig"gle transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To trifle or play.
    Take heed, daughter, You niggle not with your conscience and religion. Massinger.
  2. To act or walk mincingly. Prov. Eng.
  3. To fret and snarl about trifles. Prov. Eng.

Webster 1913