Nick, n. [Akin to Nock.] 1. A notch cut into something; as: (a) A score
for keeping an account; a reckoning. [Obs.] (b) (Print.) A notch cut
crosswise in the shank of a type, to assist a compositor in placing it
properly in the stick, and in distribution. W. Savage.
(c) A broken or indented place in any edge or surface; nicks in china.
2. A particular point or place considered as marked by a nick; the
exact point or critical moment.
To cut it off in the very nick.
Howell.
This nick of time is the critical occasion for the gainger of a
point.
L'Estrange.
Nick, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Nicked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Nicking.] 1. To
make a nick or nicks in; to notch; to keep count of or upon by nicks;
as, to nick a stick, tally, etc.
2. To mar; to deface; to make ragged, as by cutting nicks or notches
in.
And thence proceed to nicking sashes.
Prior.
The itch of his affection should not then Have nicked his
captainship.
Shak.