† nighwhat,adv.Obs.rare. [f. nigh a. + -what; cf.somewhat, etc.] Almost, nearly. c1290Beket 1924 in S. Eng.Leg. I. 161 Heo weren neiȝwat at þe se are þe king it wuste.1297R. Glouc. (Rolls) 437 Þe frensse were neiȝwat ibroȝt to gronde.Ibid. 1791 A louerding..& is men nei wat alle.