Correct spelling for the English word "Nief" is [nˈiːf], [nˈiːf], [n_ˈiː_f] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
The word "nief" does not have a well-established etymology as it is considered a rare and obsolete term. However, it is believed to have originated from Middle English "nefe" or "neffe", which in turn can be traced back to Old English "nefa" or "nefne", meaning "fist" or "hand". The ultimate origin of these words is uncertain, but they can possibly be connected to the Proto-Germanic word "*nebô" meaning "beak" or "nose", indicating a connection to a body part or a physical shape. It is important to note that "nief" is not commonly used nowadays and has largely fallen out of usage.