The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Nippers \Nip"pers\, n. pl. [From 2d Nip.]
   1. Small pinchers for holding, breaking, or cutting.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Mach.) A device with fingers or jaws for seizing an
      object and holding or conveying it; as, in a printing
      press, a clasp for catching a sheet and conveying it to
      the form.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. (Naut.) A number of rope-yarns wound together, used to
      secure a cable to the messenger.
      [1913 Webster]