Niēce, n.
(nēs), n. [Fr. nièce, O. Fr. niepce, from Lat. neptis, a granddaughter; Pr. nepta, netsa, neboda, Sp. nieta, Pg. neta.]
Sense 1. Formerly, a relative in general, as an aunt; but especially a descendant, whether male or female. [Obs.] B. Jonson. Wycliffe. Shak.
Sense 2. The daughter of a brother or sister.
☞ “This word . . . is now applied to the female sex alone, to the daughter of a brother or sister, being once used . . . for children's children, male and female alike.” Trench.