Dictionary

nose-nipper en · NOUN

Meanings

1. A facial attachment that is fitted with a clasp pinching the nose.
   • I had the Arab diver with the nose-nipper alongside this morning, and told him to let me see how long he could remain under water, and I carefully timed him; one minute and forty-nine seconds, which is the longest dive on record on these banks or beds. 1893, Archibald Sinclair, William Henry, Swimming, London: Longmans, Green and Co., page 102:
   • But TLC sold me this attractive little nose-nipper and it just fits right over my nose. 1999, Deb Margolin, Of All the Nerve: Deb Margolin Solo, A&C Black, page 59:
2. (in-plural) pince-nez
   • He saw the old man lift his head from some writing so sharp that his nose-nippers fell off... 1900, Joseph Conrad, Lord Jim, page v. 29:

Forms