A root in The Etymologies of the 1930s glossed “press” used as the basis for the [Noldorin] word for cram (Ety/KRAB). Later Tolkien decided this was a word in the language of the men of Dale; see Wes. cram for discussion.
Quenya
nir-
press, thrust, force (in a given direction)
nir-
verb. press, thrust, force
nir- vb. "press, thrust, force (in a given direction)" ("Though applicable to the pressure of a person on others, by mind and 'will' as well as by physical strength, [this verb] could also be used of physical pressures exerted by inanimates.") Given as a 1st person aorist nirin (VT41:17). Pa.t. probably *nindë since the R of nir- was originally D (the base is given as NID; compare rer- pa.t. rendë from RED concerning the past tense)