Definitions

1. proper noun

a pet name for a girl, especially one who is fond of a sailor

“The little girl was nicknamed Nellie by her sailor father.”

2. noun

a type of boat, especially a small, flat-bottomed boat used for fishing

“The fishermen set off in their nellie to catch the day’s catch.”

3. noun

a type of textile or a patterned fabric

“The antique quilt was made with a beautiful nellie design.”