† nigon Obs.
Forms: α. 4–6 negon, (5 negyn). β. 4–5 nygun, 5 nyg(g)oun, 5–6 nygon, 6 niggon.
[Of obscure origin: see nig a. and niggard.]
A niggard, miser.
| α 1303 R. Brunne Handl. Synne 6055 What seye ȝe by þese streyte negons Þat se al day Goddes persones Before hem deye for mysese. 14.. Sir Beues (C) 1917 Þus men schal teche odur..Of mete & drynke no negyn to be. c 1460 Towneley Myst. xxx. 571 The negons thai mowchid and had no will For hart fare. 1526 Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W. 1531) 19 b, He begynneth to spare his goodes, and waxeth a negon. |
| β 1303 R. Brunne Handl. Synne 5575 Pers was..swyþe coueytous, And a nygun and auarous. c 1330 ― Chron. Wace (Rolls) 5721 He was neuere nygon ne nyce. c 1386 Chaucer Cook's T. 319 My brother is a nyggoun, I swer by Cristes ore. c 1412 Hoccleve De Reg. Princ. 2033 To you therof kan I be no nygon. 1520 Caxton's Chron. Eng. v. 64/1 He was a very nygon, and was exalted to his empire by the Grekes. 1570 Levins Manip. 164/8 A Niggon, parcus. |
Hence
† ˈnigonry,
† ˈnigonship, niggardliness.
Obs.| c 1400 Love Bonavent. Mirr. xxxvi. (B.N.C. MS.) lf. 87 Thyne owne false couetise in excusacioun of thyne nygunrye. c 1460 G. Ashby Dicta Philos. 548 Be nat in youre expenses ouer large, Ne to sca[r]ce by maner of nygonship. 1526 Pilgr. Perf. (W. de W. 1531) 110 These be y⊇ vices contrary to these vertues,..Auaryce or negonry. |