Nibbing
/ˈnɪb.ɪŋ/noun
The act of nibbling or taking small bites or tiny pieces.
Did you know?The core root behind English nib/nibble is tied to a Germanic word for a small point or beak, which is why the word feels so sharp and pecking instead of soft and smooth.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*knibb- / *nib-
“A pointed end, beak, or small biting action”
Old English
OE
nib
“A beak or pointed tip”
Middle English
ME
nibben
“To peck at or bite in small pieces”
16th Century
English
nibble
“To bite gently or take tiny bites”
Modern English
English
nibbing
“Biting or taking off small bits; nibbling”