nephling
noun/ˈnɛflɪŋ/
Etymology Blend of nephew + sibling.
1
Rare A nibling.
- My dear neph-ling: I congratulate you on the attainment of your degree as “Master of Arts.” […] Your affectionate uncle, Cinna Beverley.1843, Nathaniel Parker Willis, The Miscellaneous Works of N.P. Willis:
- One of my correspondents uses the idiolect form "nephlings" to refer collectively to her niece and nephew, but points out that even this derives from the masculine form.[1992, The Bible Translator, volume 43, United Bible Societies:
4 more examples
- June 19 is six days before mine. And 4 days after the nephling’s.1998, “Charlotte L. Blackmer” (username), ““Birthdays”, in rec.food.cooking (Usenet):
- The nephling, now 4-1/2 is a second child also, and didn't speak more than a word or two until he was close to 3-1/2.2000, “Brian Mailman” (username), “When do Kids Talk?”, in misc.kids.moderated (Usenet):
- Tell us about the new nephling. […] She’s cute.2006, “Austin Shackles” (username), “Re: Whoo Hoo!”, in free.beer.tomorrow (Usenet):
- A bachelor of our acquaintance describes his brother's children as his “nephlings.” This term is not only gender neutral, unlike niece or nephew, but implies a closer relationship with its connection to the word sibling.[2011, Mary Anderson, Jane Goodman, Nancy K. Schlossberg, Counseling Adults in Transition, Fourth Edition: Linking Schlossberg’s Theory With Practice in a Diverse World: