snell

1 of 2

adjective

1
chiefly Scotland : quick, acute
2
chiefly Scotland : keen, piercing
a snell wind smote usScotsman
3
chiefly Scotland : grievous, severe

snell

2 of 2

noun

: a short line (as of gut) by which a fishhook is attached to a longer line

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German snel bold, agile

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of snell was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near snell

Cite this Entry

“Snell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snell. Accessed 7 Jun. 2023.

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