Emily Dickinson Lexicon

NICK, n.² [Sw. nick; Dan. nik; D. knik, a nod; G. nicken, to nod; genick, the nape; genicke, a continual nodding. The word seems to signify a point, from shooting forward.]

1. The exact point of time required by necessity or convenience; the critical time. L'Estrange.
2. [G. knick, a flaw.] A notch or score for keeping an account; a reckoning. [Obs.] Shak.
3. A winning throw. Prior.