He greeted her and received in exchange a stiff nod.

She gave a curious stiff nod, and went out quickly.

I gave a stiff nod, and winced as the cart went over a rock.

He stood up, gave a brief, stiff nod of a salute, and took his leave.

There is nothing wrong with I gave a stiff nod.

The slender butler gave a stiff nod and disappeared yet again.

She blinked several times and gave a stiff nod.

With a stiff nod, he walked away across the forum, leaving them alone.

With a stiff nod of acknowledgment, he walked to the center and waited for silence.

"Next to the corner house," Grimaldi said, with a stiff nod to his left.