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 ]

a. 1. petty, trivial, or inconsequential. [ PJC ]

2. Excessively demanding of time or attention; as, niggling little details. [ PJC ]

n. Finicky or pottering work; specif. (Fine Arts), Minute and very careful workmanship in drawing, painting, or the like, esp. when bestowed on unimportant detail. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]