to bite (something) cautiously, gently, or playfully
They have reached the ear-nibbling stage
to eat or chew (something) in small bites
to produce (a hole, etc) by repeated small bites
(usu + at) to take gentle, small, or cautious bites
nibbling at the bait
to show cautious or qualified interest
one firm offer and a couple of others nibbling
nibbler noun
[Middle English, of Germanic origin]