Nigh, a. [Compar. Nigher; superl. Nighest, or Next (.]
Etymology: [OE. nigh, neigh, neih, AS. neáh, n; akin to D. na, adv., OS. nah, a., OHG. nah, G. nah, a., nach to, after, Icel. na (in comp.) nigh, Goth. n, n, adv., nigh. Cf. Near, Neighbor, Next.]
1. Not distant or remote in place or time; near. The loud tumult shows the battle nigh. Prior.
2. Not remote in degree, kindred, circumstances, etc.; closely allied; intimate. "Nigh kinsmen." Knolles. Ye ... are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Eph. ii. 13.
Syn. -- Near; close; adjacent; contiguous; present; neighboring.
3 other Webster entries under this spelling
Nigh, adv.
1. In a situation near in place or time, or in the course of events; near. He was sick, nigh unto death. Phil. ii. 27. He drew not nigh unheard; the angel bright, Ere he drew nigh, his radiant visage turned. Milton.
2. Almost; nearly; as, he was nigh dead.
Nigh, v. t. & i.
To draw nigh (to); to approach; to come near. [Obs.] Wyclif (Matt. iii. 2).
Nigh, prep.
Near to; not remote or distant from. "was not this nigh shore" Shak.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for nigh; he lists it under adjacent.
Where he writes about it:
Near and nigh are provincial words of similar import. — from avaricious