niggle

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. ]