or nib-cove, subs. (beggars’).—1. A gentleman. Whence HALF-NIBS = one who apes gentility (Fr. un herz); NIBLIKE (or NIBSOME) = gentlemanly; NIBSOMEST-CRIBS = the best houses.—VAUX (1819); GROSE (1823). Cf. NIBS.
1834. W. H. AINSWORTH, Rookwood, III., v.
| He’s a rank NIB. | |
| Ibid. | |
| And ne’er was there seen such a dashing prig, … | |
| All my togs were so NIBLIKE and splash. |
1839. G. W. REYNOLDS, Pickwick Abroad, 223. Betray his pals in a NIBSOME game.
2. See NEB.
3. (printers’).—A fool.
Verb. (old).—1. To catch; to arrest; to NAB (q.v.).—VAUX (1819); GROSE (1823).
2. See NIBBLE.
