Definitions

1. noun

A small amount of food, especially oats, given to a horse as a treat or to tempt it to eat its regular food.

“The jockey gave the horse a few nicks of oats to encourage it to finish the race.”

2. verb

To give a small amount of food to a horse as a treat or to tempt it to eat its regular food.

“The owner nickered her horse with a handful of carrots.”

3. verb

To make a soft, high-pitched noise, typically a call to attract attention, as a horse does when it sees its owner.

“The horse nickered loudly when it saw its owner approaching.”