Definitions For Nesh

Etymology 1

From Middle English nesh, nesch, nesche, from {{inh, en, ang, hnesċe}}, hnysċe, hnæsċe, t=soft, tender, mild; weak, delicate; slack, negligent; effeminate, wanton, from {{inh, en, gem-pro, hnaskuz, t=soft, tender}}, from {{der, en, ine-pro, *knēs-}}, *kenes-, t=to scratch, scrape, rub. Cognate with {{cog, sco, nesch}}, nesh, , soft, tender, yielding easily to pressure, sensitive, {{cog, nl, nesch}}, nes, , wet, moist, {{cog, got, 𐌷𐌽𐌰𐍃𐌵𐌿𐍃, , soft, tender, delicate}}. Compare also nask, nasky, nasty.

Alternative forms

{{alter, en, nish, , Newfoundland English}}

Adjective

{{en-adj, er}} (now, _, UK, _, dialectal) soft, soft; tender; sensitive; yielding. (now, _, UK, _, dialectal) delicate, delicate; weak; poor-spirited; susceptible to cold weather, harsh conditions etc. (now, _, UK, _, dialectal) Soft; friable; crumbly.

Usage notes

This is a fairly widespread dialect term throughout Northern England and the Midlands.

Derived terms

neshen neshness

Translations

French: frileux, m, frileuse, f Portuguese: friorento, m Romanian: friguros Russian: не́жный, m Spanish: friolento, m, friolenta, f, friolero, m, friolera, f

Etymology 2

From Middle English neschen, from {{inh, en, ang, hnesċan}}, hnesċian, , to make soft, soften; become soft, give way, waver, from {{inh, en, gmw-pro, hnaskwōn, t=to make soft}}, from {{der, en, ine-pro, *knēs-}}, *kenes-, t=to scratch, scrape, rub. Cognate with {{cog, goh, nascōn}} ("to nibble at, parasitise, squander"; > {{etyl, de, -) naschen, , to nibble, pinch}}. {{doublet, en, nosh}}.

Verb

es (transitive) To make soft, tender, or weak. (intransitive, dialectal, Northern England) To act timidly.

Anagrams

NHEs, Shen, hens