Nickname

n. [Either from O. Fr. nique, a sign of mockery or contempt, from N. H. Ger. nicken, O. H. Ger. hnicchan, to nod, beckon, or perhaps from O. Eng. neke-name, eke-name, surname. Cf. NICK, v. t., No. 3.] A name given in contempt, derision, or sportive familiarity; an opprobrious or familiar appellation.

v. t. [imp. & p. p. NICKNAMED; p. pr. & vb. n. NICKNAMING.] To give a name of reproach or familiarity to; to call by an opprobrious or familiar appellation. You nickname virtue vice. Shak.