Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Nigh \Nigh\, a. [Compar. {Nigher}; superl. {Nighest}, or
   {Next}.] [OE. nigh, neigh, neih, AS. ne['a]h, n?h; akin to D.
   na, adv., OS. n[=a]h, a., OHG. n[=a]h, G. nah, a., nach to,
   after, Icel. n[=a] (in comp.) nigh, Goth. n?hw, n?hwa, adv.,
   nigh. Cf. {Near}, {Neighbor}, {Next}.]
   1. Not distant or remote in place or time; near.

            The loud tumult shows the battle nigh. --Prior.

   2. Not remote in degree, kindred, circumstances, etc.;
      closely allied; intimate. ``Nigh kinsmen.'' --Knolles.

            Ye . . . are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
                                                  --Eph. ii. 13.

   Syn: Near; close; adjacent; contiguous; present; neighboring.

Source : WordNet®

nigher
     adv : (comparative of `near' or `close') within a shorter
           distance; "come closer, my dear!"; "they drew nearer";
           "getting nearer to the true explanation" [syn: {nearer},
            {closer}]