Emily Dickinson Lexicon

NIGH, a. [ni; Sax. neah, neahg, neh, for nig; G. nahe, nigh. This is the G. nach, D. na, a preposition signifying to, on or after, that is, approaching, pressing on, making toward; D. naaken, to approach; W. nig, strait, narrow.]

1. Near; not distant or remote in place or time. The loud tumult shows the battle nigh. Prior. When the fig-tree putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh. Matth. xxiv.
2. Closely allied by blood; as, a nigh kinsman. Knolles.
3. Easy to be obtained or learnt; of easy access. The word is very nigh to thee. Deut. xxx.
4. Ready to support, to forgive, or to aid and defend. The Lord is nigh to them who are of a broken heart. Ps. xxxiv.
5. Close in fellowship; intimate in relation. Ye are made nigh by the blood of Christ. Eph. ii.
6. Near in progress or condition. Heb. vi.