Definition of snaffle
:a simple usually jointed bit for a bridle
What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
Explore M-W
snaffle was our Word of the Day on 04/12/2017. Hear the podcast!
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Origin and Etymology of snaffle
Definition of snaffle
snaffled;
snaffling
play
\ˈsna-f(ə-)liŋ\
transitive verb
:to obtain especially by devious or irregular means
Recent Examples of snaffle from the Web
-
Dozens of schlock horror movies have banked on the terror of being snaffled up by the toothy saurians, but the reptilian ambush predators of Olduvai Gorge actually did paleontologists a valuable service.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'snaffle.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Did You Know?
The origins of snaffle are shrouded in mystery. What we know of its story begins in the 16th century - at that time, snaffle existed as both a noun referring to a simple bit for a horse's bridle and a verb meaning "to fit or equip with a snaffle" or "to restrain or check with or as if with a snaffle." The noun could be from an old German word for mouth, snavel, but the connection has not been confirmed. The "obtain" meaning of the verb appeared in the early 18th century, and its origins are similarly elusive. A 1699 dictionary entered snaffle with the definition "a Highwayman that has got Booty" - that's a logical derivative of the verb, but it is also unconfirmed.
Origin and Etymology of snaffle
Learn More about snaffle
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up snaffle? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
