also nigh, narrow, adj. and adv. (colloquial).—1. Formerly careful, now (contemptuously) = stingy; ‘close-fisted.’ Fr. serré. Thus NEARNESS (subs.) = a parsimonious habit.
1591. SIR H. SAVILE, Histories of Tacitus, I., 11. Now for NEARENESS Galba was noted extremelie.
1603. DEKKER, The Batchelars Banquet, vii. The good man he goes euery way as NEERE as he can, and warilie containes himselfe within his bounds, casting vp what his yearely reuenues are, or what his gaime is by his profession, be it merchandize or other, and then what his expenses be.
1616. The Merchants’ Avizo (quoted in Notes and Queries, 7 S., vi., 504). Also to be circumspect and NIGH in all his expenses.
1712. Spectator, No. 350. I have a very good affectionate father; but though very rich, yet so mighty NEAR, that he thinks much of the charges of my education. Ibid., No. 402. I always thought he lived in a NEAR way.
1816. SCOTT, The Antiquary, xi. I’ll rather deal wi’ yourself; for, though you’re NEAR enough, yet Miss Grizel has an unco close grip.
1847. E. BRONTË, Wuthering Heights, xv., iii. The villagers affirmed Mr. Heathcliff was NEAR, and a cruel hard landlord to his tenants.
1849. DICKENS, David Copperfield, x. Mr. Barkis was something of a miser, or, as Peggotty dutifully expressed it, ‘was a little NEAR.’
2. (colloquial).—On the left side: cf. OFF.
1823. BADCOCK (‘Jon Bee’), Dictionary of the Turf, etc., s.v. NEAR. Postillions ride on the NEAR horse in England—the Russians drive on the off horse. Ibid. The left kidney being nearer the heart than the right one is called THE NEAR, the melt interposing between it and the ribs.
1859. J. S. RAREY, The Art of Taming Horses, 77. The motion will draw up the off leg into the same position as the NEAR leg.
