nifel (s.xiii1/4)
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nifel (s.xiii1/4)

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[ hap]

  FEW: ∅ Gdf: ∅ GdfC: ∅ TL: ∅ DEAF: ∅ DMF: ∅ TLF: ∅ OED:  nifle n.  MED:  nifle n.  DMLBS: ∅
nife (l. nif[l]e)  

The etymology of this term remains unclear. The OED (nifle) notes several possible suggestions: a Latin etymon (nichil); a derivation from nefle or a parallel with niule. Each proposed etymology is problematic.

s.

1nifle, worthless object: 
( s.xiii1/4; MS: s.xiiim )  Cele baptisterie ne valt une nife (l. nif[l]e)  2115
2costumesmall or flimsy article of dress (?): 
( 1463 )  Que nulle persone [...]vende en ascune part dedeinz cest Roialme ascune lavne, Nifels, umple, ou ascun autre manere dez couverchiefs dount le price dun plite passera x s.  ii 401
This is an AND2 Phase 4 (N-O/U-P-Q) entry. © 2013-17 The Anglo-Norman Dictionary. All rights reserved. Funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council of the United Kingdom.
nifel