Main Entry:

¹snare

Pronunciation:

\ˈsner\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Old English sneare, probably from Old Norse snara; akin to Old High German snuor cord and perhaps to Greek narkē numbness

Date:

before 12th century

1 a (1): a contrivance often consisting of a noose for entangling birds or mammals (2): trap, gin b (1): something by which one is entangled, involved in difficulties, or impeded (2): something deceptively attractive2 [probably from Dutch snaar, literally, cord; akin to Old High German snuor] a: one of the catgut strings or metal spirals of a snare drum b: snare drum3: a surgical instrument consisting usually of a wire loop constricted by a mechanism in the handle and used for removing tissue masses (as tonsils)