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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Nibble \Nib"ble\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Nibbled}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Nibbling}.] [Cf. {Nip}.]
To bite by little at a time; to seize gently with the mouth;
to eat slowly or in small bits.
[1913 Webster]

Thy turfy mountains, where live nibbling sheep. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]


Nibble \Nib"ble\, v. t.
To bite upon something gently or cautiously; to eat a little
of a thing, as by taking small bits cautiously; as, fishes
nibble at the bait.
[1913 Webster]

Instead of returning a full answer to my book, he
manifestly falls a-nibbling at one single passage.
--Tillotson.
[1913 Webster]


nibble \nib"ble\, n.
1. A small or cautious bite.
[1913 Webster]

2. Hence: (Fig.) An expression of interest, often tentative,
as at the beginning of a sale or negotiation process.
[PJC]