Nigh

a. [compar. NIGHER; superl. NIGHEST, or NEXT.] [O. Eng. neigh, A-S. neáh, néh, O. Fries. nēi, for nēch, nī, D. na, O. H. Ger. nāh, M. H. Ger. nāh, nā, N. H. Ger. nah, nahe. Cf. infra.]

1Sense 1. Not distant or remote in place or time; near.

The loud tumult shows the battle nigh. Prior.

2Sense 2. Not remote in degree, kindred, circumstances, &c.; closely allied; intimate.

Ye . . . are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Eph. ii. 13.

He committed the protection of his son to two of his nigh kinsmen. Knolles.

Synonyms—Close; adjacent; contiguous; proximate; present.

(nī), adv. [A-S. neáh, nēh, O. Sax. nah, D. na, O. H. Ger. naho, M. H. Ger. nāhe, nā, N. H. Ger. nah, nahe, Goth. nēhua, nāhu. Cf. supra.]

1Sense 1. In a situation near in place or time, or in the course of events.

He was sick, nigh unto death. Phil. ii. 27.

He drew not nigh unheard; the angel bright, Ere he drew nigh, his radiant visage turned. Milton.

2Sense 2. Almost; nearly; as, he was nigh dead.

(nī), v. t. To draw nigh to; to approach; to near. [Obs.]

(nī), v. i. [A-S. nehron. See supra.] To come nigh; to approach; to advance or draw near. [Obs.]

(nī), prep. Near to; not remote or distant from. [See Note under NEAR, a.]

Nigh this recess with terror they survey Where Death maintains his dread tyrannic sway. Garth.