nipper

[ nip-er ]

/ ˈnɪp ər /

a person or thing that nips.

Usually nippers. a device for nipping, as pincers or forceps.

one of the two large claws of a crustacean.

Metalworking. dog(def 13).

nippers, Older Slang. handcuffs.

Informal.

Nautical. a short rope for seizing an anchor cable to a messenger from a capstan.

Origin of nipper

First recorded in 1525–35; nip¹ + -er¹

But the inflexible Nipper, merely honouring Mrs Pipchin with another look, remained.

Dombey and Son |Charles Dickens
For with Nipper and his class emotion or shamefacedness of any kind always in the first instance produces additional dourness.

The Surprising Adventures of Sir Toady Lion With Those of General Napoleon Smith |S. R. Crockett
Florence gently looked at her, and Miss Nipper checked herself.

Dombey and Son |Charles Dickens
Again about midnight he was roused, this time by the whining of the sheep-dog "Nipper."

"Over There" with the Australians |R. Hugh Knyvett

The nipper is horribly gulping at its food, jam smears quite all about its countenance.

Ruggles of Red Gap |Harry Leon Wilson

nipper

/ (ˈnɪpə) /

a person or thing that nips

the large pincer-like claw of a lobster, crab, or similar crustacean

informal a small child

Australian a type of small prawn used as bait