(also neche, neeche, nitchie) Now chieflyCanadian (frequently derogatory )
noun
A North American Indian.
Formerly also, among North American (especially Canadian) Indians (without negative connotations): a friend..
Origin
Late 18th century; earliest use found in John Long (fl. 1768–1791). From Ojibwa ni:či: friend (used between men), vocative of ni:kka:niss my (a man's) male friend.