Nip

1. A seizing or closing in upon; a pinching; as, in the northern seas, the nip of masses of ice.
2. A pinch with the nails or teeth.
3. A small cut, or a cutting off the end.
4. A blast; a killing of the ends of plants by frost.
5. A biting sarcasm; a taunt.
6. (Naut.) A short turn in a rope.
Nip and tuck ,
a phrase signifying equality in a contest; as, it was nip and tuck right to the last minute of play.