_Nick Nack_ (Vol. iii., p. 179.).--A rude species of music very common
amongst the boys in Sheffield, called by them _nick-a-nacks_. It is made
by two pieces of bone, sometimes two pieces of wood, placed between the
fingers, and beaten in time by a rapid motion of the hand and fingers.
It is one of the periodical amusements of the boys going along the
streets.
"And with his right drew forth a truncheon of a white ox rib, and
two pieces of wood of a like form; one of black Eben, and the
other of incarnation Brazile; and put them betwixt the fingers of
that hand, in good symmetry. Then knocking them together, made
such a noise, as the lepers of Britany use to do with their
clappering clickets; yet better resounding, and far more
harmonious."--_Rabelais_, book ii. c. 19.