Chapter Newborn to Nick of N by Webster's Dictionary (1913 Edition)

4. To hit at, or in, the nick; to touch rightly; to strike at the precise point or time.

The just season of doing things must be nicked, and all accidents improved.

L'Estrange.

5. To make a cross cut or cuts on the under side of (the tail of a horse, in order to make him carry it higher).

Nick
(Nick), v. t. To nickname; to style. [Obs.]

For Warbeck, as you nick him, came to me.

Ford.