nither

1 of 3

transitive verb

nith·​er

ˈnit͟hə(r)

-ed/-ing/-s

chiefly Scottish

1

: debase, humiliate

2

: blast, blight

nithered plants

nither

2 of 3

intransitive verb

"

-ed/-ing/-s

chiefly Scottish

: to shiver or tremble especially with cold

nither

3 of 3

"

dialectal variant of neither

Word History

Etymology

Transitive verb

Middle English nitheren, from Old English nitherian; akin to Old High German nideren to lower, debase, Old Norse nithra to lower; all from a prehistoric North Germanic-West Germanic verb derivative from the root of Old English nither down

Intransitive verb

probably of Scandinavian origin

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now