nick|name

nick|name «NIHK _NAYM», noun, verb, -named, -nam|ing.

–n.

1. a name added to a person's real name, or used instead of it: »

“Ed” is a nickname for “Edward.” Roy's nickname was “Buzz.” As he [a doctor] wanted that deep magisterial voice which gives authority to a prescription…he…got the nickname of the Squeaking Doctor (Sir Richard Steele).

SYNONYM(S): sobriquet.

2. such a name given to a place or thing: »

Hawkeye State is a nickname for Iowa.

–v.t.

1. to give a nickname to: »

They nicknamed the tall boy “Shorty” as a joke.

2. to misname: »

With no great care for what is nicknamed glory (Byron).

╂[Middle English neke name < misdivision of an eke name < eke an addition, Old English eāca + name name]