n. pl. [ From 2d Nip. ] 1. Small pinchers for holding, breaking, or cutting. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Mach.) A device with fingers or jaws for seizing an object and holding or conveying it; as, in a printing press, a clasp for catching a sheet and conveying it to the form. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. (Naut.) A number of rope-yarns wound together, used to secure a cable to the messenger. [ 1913 Webster ]