snuffn.1
/snʌf/, U.S. /snəf/ I. A portion of a wick, and related uses.† 3. A heel-tap; a portion of a drink left at the bottom of a cup. Obsolete.figurative.a1640 T. Jackson Μαραν Αθα (1657) 3487 The Divel still labours to glut men.., then he vents his snuffes or refuse upon them.
1. collective.a1475 Bk. Curtasye (Sloane 1986) l. 829 in Babees Bk. (2002) i. 327 Of wax þese candels alle..; Þo snof of hom dose a-way With close sesours.a1631 J. Donne Satires ii. 78 As a thrifty wench..barrelling the droppings, and the snuffe, Of wasting candles.in combination.1709 in J. S. Moore Goods & Chattels Forefathers (1976) 196 Two brasse Snuffers and Snuff panns, one latten hoop for Cakes, a greater Chayr.1733 G. Baillie Househ. Bk. (1911) 381 2 Snuff pans.1758 B. Franklin Let. 19 Feb. in Wks. (1887) III. 8 There are also snuffers, a snuffstand, and extinguisher, of steel.1963 Times 11 May 11/1 Candle-snuffers fitted with snuff pans were being used in Britain by the mid-fifteenth-century.
a. That portion of a wick, etc., which is partly consumed in the course of burning to give light, and in the case of candles requires to be removed at intervals; †a candle-end.Also Mining, a smift (Gresley, 1883): cf. snoff n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > candle > [noun] > wick > snuff
gnastc1175
snuff1382
snitc1420
snotc1420
snitingc1440
candle-sniting1483
candle-snuff1552
snuffing?1575
snaste1592
snuft1657
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Exod. xxv. 38 Candelquenchers, and..where the snoffes ben quenchid.
1398 J. Trevisa tr. Bartholomew de Glanville De Proprietatibus Rerum xviii. xxxix. (Bodl.) Ȝif a mare..smelleþ þe snoffe of a candel sheo casteþ here foole.
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 462/1 Snuffe, of a candel, muco.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 272/1 Snoffe of a candell, mesche, limignon, lumignon.
1560 T. Phaer tr. J. Goeurot Regiment of Life (rev. ed.) sig. Eiii Ye must lay to ye nose..assafetida, or the snuffes of candels.
1577 R. Holinshed Chron. II. 1834/2 Through negligence of a mayden with a candell, the snuffe falling in an hundred pounde weight of Gunpowder.
1655 J. Howell 4th Vol. Familiar Lett. xxi. 58 In som this light goes out with an ill-favor'd stench; But others have a save-all to preserve it from making any snuff at all.
a1687 H. More Contin. Remark. Stories (1689) 406 Striking the Candle..and afterwards making three Scrapes on the Snuff to put it out.
1688 G. Miege Great French Dict. ii. sig. Qqq3v/1 Snuff,..bout de Chandelle.
1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy 230 A Torch, Snuff and all, goes out in a Moment when dipp'd into the Vapour.
1766 B. Franklin in Philos. Trans. 1765 (Royal Soc.) 55 185 Hence the suffocating nature of air impregnated with burnt grease, as from snuffs of candles, and the like.
1815 J. Smith Panorama Sci. & Art II. 347 On letting it down again, it will be perfectly lighted from the spark of the snuff.
1846 T. Keightley Notes Bucolics & Georgics of Virgil 193 The thick snuff which gathers on the wick [of the lamp].
1870 E. Peacock Ralf Skirlaugh II. 161 A candle with a long snuff burnt on the table.
b. In comparisons, used to describe what is faint, feeble, or on the point of extinction.
ΚΠ
a1535 T. More Dialoge of Comfort (1553) ii. ii. sig. F.v I cannot lycken my lyfe more metely now than to the snuffe of a candle.
1589 Pappe with Hatchet (1844) 36 A wit worn into the socket, twinkling and pinking like the snuffe of a candle.
1631 F. Quarles Hist. Samson viii The other are but blasts, That faintly blaze like Oyle-forsaken snuffes.
1654 T. Warren Vnbeleevers 252 His Arguments should go out like a snuffe of a candle in the socket.
1745 J. Swift Clad all in Brown in Misc. X. 228 Thy Soul, which through thy Hide of Buff, Scarce glimmers like a dying Snuff.
1786 F. Burney Diary Oct. (1842) III. 180 All the poor attendants..drop off, one after another, like so many snuffs of candles.
1869 A. Trollope He knew he was Right II. lxxxix. 308 Some said..that she was going out like the snuff of a candle.
c. figurative or in figurative context (see quots. and cf. 1b).
ΚΠ
1589 ‘M. Marprelate’ Hay any Worke for Cooper 39 Why thou vnsauorly snuffe, dost tow thinke that men know not D. Bridges?
a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) i. ii. 59 Let me not liue..After my flame lackes oyle, to be the snuffe Of yonger spirits. View more context for this quotation
a1651 N. Culverwell Elegant Disc. Light of Nature (1652) i. xviii. 204 The Lamp of a Moralist..may go out in a snuffe.
a1680 S. Charnock Several Disc. Existence of God (1682) 732 Were such filthy snuffs fit of themselves to be kindled by..a Gospel beam?
1705 tr. W. Bosman New Descr. Coast of Guinea xx. 410 The Buffel soon trod out the small remainder of the Snuff of his Life.
1745 E. Young Complaint: Night the Eighth 24 How mean that Snuff of Glory Fortune lights, And Death puts out?
d. Used to denote something of no value.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > [noun] > that which is unimportant > worthless
hawc1000
turdc1275
fille1297
dusta1300
lead1303
skitc1330
naught1340
vanityc1340
wrakea1350
rushc1350
dirt1357
fly's wing1377
goose-wing1377
fartc1390
chaff?a1400
nutshella1400
shalec1400
yardc1400
wrack1472
pelfrya1529
trasha1529
dreg1531
trish-trash1542
alchemy1547
beggary?1548
rubbish1548
pelfa1555
chip1556
stark naught1562
paltry?1566
rubbish1566
riff-raff1570
bran1574
baggage1579
nihil1579
trush-trash1582
stubblea1591
tartar1590
garbage1592
bag of winda1599
a cracked or slit groat1600
kitchen stuff1600
tilta1603
nothing?1608
bauble1609
countera1616
a pair of Yorkshire sleeves in a goldsmith's shop1620
buttermilk1630
dross1632
paltrement1641
cattle1643
bagatelle1647
nothingness1652
brimborion1653
stuff1670
flap-dragon1700
mud1706
caput mortuuma1711
snuff1778
twaddle1786
powder-post1790
traffic1828
junk1836
duffer1852
shice1859
punk1869
hogwash1870
cagmag1875
shit1890
tosh1892
tripe1895
dreck1905
schlock1906
cannon fodder1917
shite1928
skunk1929
crut1937
chickenshit1938
crud1943
Mickey Mouse1958
gick1959
garbo1978
turd1978
pants1994
1778 F. Burney Evelina III. xxi. 239 Who..cares the snuff of a candle?
1887 W. S. Gilbert Ruddigore ii You don't care the snuff of a candle.
2. The nozzle of a lamp, in which the wick burns.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > [noun] > lamp > parts of
sink1440
snuff1611
turret1626
discus1680
oxidator1853
chimney1857
flame-cap1893
heat filter1898
bracket-light-
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Bec de la lampe, the socket, or snuffe of the lampe.
1797 Monthly Mag. 3 507 There is also a little portative lamp, having only one snuff.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > intoxicating liquor > [noun] > dregs or lees in vessel or cask
drastc1000
drosenc1000
drega1300
lagsa1525
bottom1563
snuff1592
tilta1603
tilting1611
heeltap1753
dunder1774
tops and bottoms1905
1592 T. Nashe Pierce Penilesse (Brit. Libr. copy) sig. G4 Rather keepe a snuffe in the bottome of the glasse to light you to bed withall.
c1616 R. C. Times' Whistle (1871) v. 1833 Then each must haue his bout And drink vp all; to leave a litle snuffe Is petty treason.
1647 H. Neville Parl. of Ladies (Wing N512) (title page) Either malice, or want of wit, hightned with snoffes of Ale or stayned Claret.
1672 O. Walker Of Educ. ii. i. 218 Drinking many in the same cup; and many times the snuffs left by the former.
1738 J. Swift Compl. Coll. Genteel Conversat. 163 (Miss drinking Part of a Glass of Wine). Neverout. Pray, let me drink your Snuff.
II. Senses relating to offence or indignation.† 6. attributive. Angry, violent. Obsolete. rare.
4. † a. to take..in (the) snuff (or to snuff), to take (a matter) amiss, to take offence at, to be annoyed or indignant at, to resent. Obsolete.The original reference was no doubt to the unpleasant smell proceeding from the smoking snuff of a candle, but there may also have been association with snuff n.2 or snuff v.2 The phrase was especially common between 1580 and 1660.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > anger > indignation or resentment > be indignant at or resent [verb (transitive)]
to take in (also on, to) griefc1325
to bear (a person or thing) hard (also heavily, heavy, etc.)c1384
to take agrief?a1400
disdaina1513
stomach1523
to take it amiss1530
to have a grudge against (to, at)1531
to think amiss1533
envy1557
to take‥in (the) snuff (or to snuff)1560
to take snuff1565
to take scorn1581
to take indignly1593
to bear (one) upon (also in) the spleen1596
spleena1629
disresent1652
indign1652
miff1797
pin1934
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cccclxiij A brute went that the Pope toke it in snuffe [L. indigne tulisse] that this truce was made.
1570 J. Foxe Actes & Monumentes (rev. ed.) II. 2281/1 This matter the Justice tooke sore to snuffe, and was very angry.
1579 W. Wilkinson Confut. Familye of Loue f. 41 Hee..taketh it greatly in the snuffe, that his stuffe..should be brought to light.
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary iii. 28 Englishmen, especially being young and unexperienced, are apt to take all things in snuffe.
1661 S. Pepys Diary 6 Oct. (1970) II. 192 Mr. Mills..I expect should take it in Snuffe that my wife did not come to his child's christening the other day.
1716 T. Ward England's Reformation 129 Pray take it not, you old Cur-mudgeon, So much in snuff and evil dudgeon.
b. to take snuff, to take offence or umbrage (at a thing). Obsolete exc. archaic.In quot. 1821 associated with snuff n.3 (cf. pepper n. 4b).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > anger > indignation or resentment > be indignant at or resent [verb (transitive)]
to take in (also on, to) griefc1325
to bear (a person or thing) hard (also heavily, heavy, etc.)c1384
to take agrief?a1400
disdaina1513
stomach1523
to take it amiss1530
to have a grudge against (to, at)1531
to think amiss1533
envy1557
to take‥in (the) snuff (or to snuff)1560
to take snuff1565
to take scorn1581
to take indignly1593
to bear (one) upon (also in) the spleen1596
spleena1629
disresent1652
indign1652
miff1797
pin1934
1565 W. Allen Def. & Declar. Doctr. Purgatory ii. xiv. f. 262 Aërius,..taking snoffe that he could not get a bisshoprike, fell in to the hæresy of Arius.
1597 T. Beard Theatre Gods Iudgements i. xxxiii. 188 The yonker taking snuffe thereat, why said hee takest thou thought for mee?
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. ii. 211 Which the Manksmen hearing, tooke such a snuffe and indignation thereat, that they sent for Olaue.
1640 T. Fuller Joseph's Coat 45 Let us heed, how we take snuffe at the simplicity of Gods Ordinance.
1692 R. L'Estrange Fables i. clxxxv. 156 Jupiter took Snuff at the Contempt, and Punish'd him for't.
1725 New Canting Dict. (at cited word) To take Snuff, to take Pet.
1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. i. 18 But take no snuff in the nose about it.
1876 G. H. Kingsley in Temple Bar Oct. 167 With hearty hoping that North Britons will not take huffe nor snuffe at these kindly criticisms.]
5. A fit of indignation; a huff, pet, rage, passion. Used with a, the, or without article. Now Scottish.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > anger > indignation or resentment > [noun] > fit of
wratha1200
pique1551
snuff1592
stumble1675
huff1757
cream puff1985
the mind > emotion > anger > irascibility > ill humour > [noun] > fit of
gloominga1400
terret1515
momurdotesc1540
the sullens1580
pirr1581
pet1590
snuff1592
mulligrubs1599
mumps1599
geea1605
mood1609
miff1623
tetch1623
frumps1671
strunt1721
hump1727
tiff1727
tift1751
huff1757
tig1773
tout1787
sulk1792
twita1825
fantigue1825
fuff1834
grumps1844
spell1856
the grumbles1861
grouch1895
snit1939
mardy1968
moody1969
strop1970
sull1972
cream puff1985
mard1998
(a)
(b)1607 S. Collins Serm. Paules-Crosse 84 Smothering the talent that he lent thee..in snuffe, and pelting discontent.1616 B. Jonson Epicœne iv. v, in Wks. I. 579 He went away in snuffe, and I followed him. View more context for this quotation1665 S. Pepys Diary 19 Sept. (1972) VI. 233 I find they go up in snuffe to bed, without taking any manner of leave of them.(c)1886 R. L. Stevenson Kidnapped iii. 18 Dinnae fly up in the snuff at me.1898 J. M. Cobban Angel of Covenant xi. 124 The mighty high snuff and dudgeon ye gaed aff wi'.1592 R. Greene Quip for Vpstart Courtier sig. G2 These were going away in a snuff for being thus plainly taunted.
a1616 W. Shakespeare King Lear (1623) iii. i. 17 Either in snuffes, and packings of the Dukes, Or the hard Reine which both of them hath borne Against the old kinde King.
1620 Bp. J. Hall Contempl. V. O.T. xiv. 153 Abners duty..not to flye out in a snuffe.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > anger > furious anger > [adjective] > furiously angry
grim971
aweddeOE
woodlyc1000
anburstc1275
woodc1275
aburstc1300
eagerc1325
brotheful1330
brothely1330
furiousc1374
wroth as (the) wind1377
throc1380
fella1382
wrothlya1400
grindelc1400
raginga1425
furibund1490
bremit1535
outraging1567
fulminant?1578
wood-like1578
horn-mad1579
snuff1582
woodful1582
maddeda1586
rageful1585
furibundal1593
gary1609
fierce1611
wild1653
infuriate1667
hopping mad1675
maddened1735
sulphureous1751
savage1789
infuriated1796
bouncing mad1834
frenzy1859
furyinga1861
ropeable1870
furied1878
fulminous1886
livid1888
fit to be tied1894
hopping1894
fighting mad1896
tamping mad1946
up the wall1951
ravers1967
1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis ii. 43 Now me the Myrmidones for captiue prisoner hold not, Nor sterne snuff Dolopans.
7. Used attributively to designate pornographic photographs or films involving the actual killing of a woman. [Cf. snuff v.1 1d ]
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > moral evil > licentiousness > moral or spiritual impurity > indecency > [adjective] > pornographic > involving killing of women
snuff1975
1975 Whig-Standard (Kingston, Ont.) 2 Oct. 3/6 New York City police detective Joseph Horman said..that the 8-millimetre, eight-reel films called ‘snuff’ or ‘slasher’ movies had been in tightly controlled distribution for a month.
1975 Globe & Mail (Toronto) 20 Nov. 7/4 There are reports of ‘snuff films’ in the United States, pornographic movies that contain all the usual perversions but culminate with women being mutilated and killed—for real.
1976 New Musical Express 31 Jan. 11/3 The ‘snuff movie’, a kind of ultimate pornography that has at its climax the supposedly unfaked murder of a young woman.
1977 Daily Colonist (Victoria, Brit. Columbia) 23 July 3/2 Charged with attempted murder in the making of ‘snuff’ photographic stills.
1978 S. Sheldon Bloodline xlii. 360 For the last several years we have been hearing increasing rumors of snuff films, pornographic films in which at the end of the sexual act the victim is murdered on camera.
1981 Observer 12 July 39/4 The merchants and devotees of ‘snuff porn’ require that the masochistic models who pose for it actually die while receiving some hideous sexual punishment. At the actual moment of death the models are photographed in full colour, with very good lighting.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
snuffn.2
/snʌf/, U.S. /snəf/ 1.
a. An (or the) act of snuffing, esp. as an expression of contempt or disdain.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > [noun] > action of expressing contempt > sniff of contempt
snuff1570
sniff1837
1570 J. Dee in H. Billingsley tr. Euclid Elements Geom. Math. Præf. sig. *iiijv Other (perchaunce) with a proude snuffe will disdaine this litle.
1593 R. Bancroft Daungerous Positions iv. iii. 140 These points are..passed ouer with a snuffe, and with great disdaine.
1629 J. Gaule Distractions 198 Nought but a glance, a puffe, a snuffe, a frown.
1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas II. iv. viii. 181 That hound-like snuff at an ill construction, with which the devil has armed the noses of the most charitable.
1840 T. Hood Up Rhine 163 Ere a horrible reek..sets the dogs on the snuff.
1849 C. Brontë Shirley I. viii. 177 His nostrils emitted a derisive and defiant snuff.
1866 ‘S. Gilpin’ Songs & Ballads of Cumberland 280 Sae wi' snuffs an' sneevils [he] Rair't out.
b. A persistent snuffling; a disease in sheep.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > animal disease or disorder > disorders of sheep > [noun] > other disorders of sheep
pocka1325
soughta1400
pox1530
mad1573
winter rot1577
snuffa1585
leaf1587
leaf-sickness1614
redwater1614
mentigo1706
tag1736
white water1743
hog pox1749
rickets1755
side-ill1776
resp1789
sheep-fag1789
thorter-ill1791
vanquish1792
smallpox1793
shell-sicknessc1794
sickness1794
grass-ill1795
rub1800
pine1804
pining1804
sheep-pock1804
stinking ill1807
water sickness1807
core1818
wryneck1819
tag-belt1826
tag-sore1828
kibe1830
agalaxia1894
agalactia1897
lupinosis1899
trembling1902
struck1903
black disease1906
scrapie1910
renguerra1917
pulpy kidney1927
dopiness1932
blowfly strike1933
body strike1934
sleepy sickness1937
swayback1938
twin lamb disease1945
tick pyaemia1946
fly-strike1950
maedi1952
nematodiriasis1957
visna1957
maedi-visna1972
visna-maedi1972
a1585 A. Montgomerie Flyting with Polwart 308 The snuff and the snoire, the chaud-peece, the chanker.
1902 Westm. Gaz. 13 June 10/2 A sheep affected soon becomes thin and languid, and its painful snuffling has led farmers to call the disease ‘snuff’.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > wind > [noun] > blast or gust of
ghosteOE
blasta1000
blas?c1225
ragec1405
blorec1440
flaw1513
thud1513
flaga1522
fuddera1522
flake1555
flan1572
whid?1590
flirta1592
gust1594
berry1598
wind-catch1610
snuff1613
stress1625
flash1653
blow1655
fresh1662
scud1694
flurry1698
gush1704
flam1711
waff1727
flawer1737
Roger's Blasta1825
flaff1827
slat1840
scart1861
rodges-blast1879
huffle1889
slap1890
slammer1891
Sir Roger1893
1613 J. Davies Muses Teares in Wks. (Grosart) I. 15/1 Then, let Fates Snuffes and Puffes as winds of Grace, Serene the Heauen of your Maiestick Face.
1642 D. Rogers Naaman 439 Though it lye long in the moulds by reason of cold snuffes of weather.
3. Smell, odour, scent.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > smell and odour > [noun]
smacka1000
breathOE
smella1175
irea1300
weffea1300
thefa1325
relesec1330
odour?c1335
incensea1340
flair1340
savoura1350
smellingc1386
flavourc1400
fumec1400
reflairc1400
air?a1439
scent?1473
taste?c1475
verdure1520
senteur1601
waft1611
effluvium1656
fluor1671
burning scent1681
aura1732
fumet1735
snuff1763
olfacient1822
odouret1825
waff1827
gush1841
sniff1844
tang1858
nose1894
1763 W. Stukeley Palæographia Sacra 93 The immortal, the eternal,..wants not the snuff of mortal incense, for his, but for our own sakes.
1844 T. Hood Turtles 34 All whiffs, and sniffs, and puffs, and snuffs, From metals, minerals, and dyewood stuffs.
4. An inhalation, a sniff, of something.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > smell and odour > [noun] > exercising sense of smell
snevingc1200
odoration?a1425
snokingc1440
smelling1509
smellc1560
vent1575
venting1611
sniff1767
snuff1822
olfaction1833
the world > life > the body > respiratory organs > breathing > inhalation > [noun] > through nose
snoachinga1387
sniftingc1430
snivellingc1430
snuffing1540
sniffing1575
snuffling1580
snufflea1764
sniff1767
snuff1822
sniftera1835
sniffling1836
snivel1847
sniffle1880
1822 J. Galt Sir Andrew Wylie III. v. 34 Take a snuff of caller air on the brow of the hill.
1852 H. B. Stowe Uncle Tom's Cabin I. xvi. 259 One snuff of anything disagreeable being..sufficient to close the scene, and put an end to all her earthly trials.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
snuffn.3
/snʌf/, U.S. /snəf/ 1. in extended use.1709 Brit. Apollo 6–8 Apr. A Most Excellent Cephalick Water, or Liquid Snuff.figurative.1719 in T. D'Urfey Wit & Mirth V. 90 A Wench..Gave Snuff to me, Out of her Placket box.a1822 P. B. Shelley Peter Bell III iii, in Poet. Wks. (?1840) 241/1 Sometimes the poor are damned indeed To take..Cobbett's snuff, revenge.
a. A preparation of powdered tobacco for inhaling through the nostrils (in the southern United States, usually taken orally). The practice of taking snuff appears to have become fashionable about 1680, but prevailed earlier in Ireland and Scotland (see smutchin n. and sneezing n. 2b).
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > use of drugs and poison > tobacco > snuff > [noun]
sneeze1632
sneezing1648
smutchin1650
snush1671
snuff1683
nose gunpowder1706
pulvil1706
sneeshing1714
macouba1827
dip1853
snoose1912
snous1962
1683 London Gaz. No. 1800/4 James Norcock, Snuffmaker and Perfumer,..sells all sorts of Snuffs, Spanish and Italian.
1703 London Gaz. No. 3963/3 Tobacco at 2d. per lb. Snuff 4d. 2q. per lb.
1724 J. Arbuthnot Reasons against Exam. Drugs 7 The Makers of Snuff, who..employ by far the greatest Number of Hands of any Manufacture of the Kingdom.
1796 F. Burney Camilla III. vi. i. 142 She perceived him, a few yards off, taking a pinch of snuff.
1815 M. Elphinstone Acct. Kingdom Caubul ii. vii. 235 Their snuff is a dry and fine powder like Scotch snuff.
1836 C. Dickens Pickwick Papers (1837) ii. 16 The Doctor took snuff with every body.
1849 Knickerbocker 34 117 The ‘gude woman’ sat in the corner ‘rubbing snuff’, or ‘dipping’.
1884 F. M. Crawford Rom. Singer (ed. 2) I. 23 Ercole takes snuff when he is not smoking.
1891 M. E. Ryan Pagan of Alleghanies 105 [Does] your deity of the lower world..chew snuff?
1907 Dial. Notes 3 230 Dip (snuff), v.t., to smear snuff on the gums with a brush made by chewing the end of a small stick.
1913 M. W. Morley Carolina Mts. 169 Nor is snuff taken after the manner of former generations of snuff-takers. Here the people ‘dip’.
1951 W. Faulkner Knight's Gambit 87 We watched him take..a tin of snuff and tilt a measure of it into the lid and then into his lower lip, tapping the final grain from the lid with..deliberation.
b. Any powder used like snuff, esp. for medical purposes; a sternutatory or errhine. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > medicines or physic > medicines for specific purpose > cleansing or expelling medicines > [noun] > errhine
nasal?a1425
sternutorya1425
sternutation1547
sneezing-powder1611
sneezing1621
errhine1626
sternutatory1634
sternutative1666
snuff1861
1861 S. Thomson Wanderings among Wild Flowers (rev. ed.) iii. 306 Of one, the sneeze-wort yarrow (Achillea ptarmica), the leaves..are used as a snuff in head affections.
c. The colour of snuff. Also attributive or as adj.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > colour > named colours > brown or brownness > [noun] > other browns
umberc1568
Spanish brown1660
earth colour1688
raw umber1702
iron brown1714
clove-brown1794
raw sienna1797
wood-brown1805
moorit1809
coffee1815
oak1815
burnt almond1850
Vandyke brown1850
Turk's head1853
catechu brown1860
oak brown1860
mummy brown1861
walnut-brown1865
Havana1873
havana brown1875
wax-brown1887
box1889
nutria1897
caramel1909
wallflower brown1913
cigar1923
desert-brown1923
sunburn1923
tobacco1923
maple1926
butterscotch1927
walnut1934
snuff1951
mink1955
toffee1960
sludge1962
earth-tone1973
1951 E. Paul Springtime in Paris (U.K. ed.) ii. 33 Most of the young coloured men, yellow, brown, snuff, mustard or ginger in hue, had white girls with them.
1974 Times 26 Nov. 19/6 Colour combinations..snuff/ice, blue/white.
2.
a. A pinch of snuff. [So West Flemish snuuf.]
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > use of drugs and poison > tobacco > snuff > [noun] > pinch of
sneeshing1686
snush1703
snuff1724
sneesh1817
1724 A. Ramsay Vision in Ever Green I. 225 Gallus sneerd and tuke a Snuff.
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian To Rdr. in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. I. 4 I will enrich..thy nose with a snuff from my mull.
1863 A. H. Charteris Life J. Robertson x. 308 A snuff between his finger and thumb which he had no time to take.
1897 Pryde Queer Folk Fife 87 In his excitement he took four or five snuffs consecutively.
b. Used to denote something of small value.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > unimportance > [noun] > that which is unimportant > of little worth
ivy-leafc1000
needle?c1225
sloec1250
peasea1275
strawc1290
bean1297
nutc1300
buttonc1330
leekc1330
trifle1375
cress1377
goose-wing1377
sop1377
niflec1395
vetcha1400
a pin's head (also point)c1450
trump1513
plack1530
toy1530
blue point1532
grey groat1546
cherry-stone1607
jiggalorum1613
candle-enda1625
peppercorn1638
sponge1671
sneeshing1686
snottera1689
catchpenny1705
potato1757
snuff1809
pinhead1828
traneen1837
a hill of beans1863
gubbins1918
1809 T. Donaldson Poems 72 My memory, man, 's no worth a snuff.
1846 W. Cross Disruption xviii. 190 I wadna gie a snuff for ony minister but a parish minister.
1881 W. Walker in D. H. Edwards Mod. Sc. Poets 3rd Ser. 106 They'll care nae a snuff though grim poverty shake ye.
c. A pinch, a very small quantity, of something.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > smallness of quantity, amount, or degree > [noun] > a small quantity or amount > a very small amount
shredc1000
farthingsworthc1325
pennyworthc1330
incha1350
sliverc1374
chipa1393
gnastc1440
Jack1530
spoonful1531
crumba1535
spark1548
slight1549
pin's worth1562
scruple1574
thought1581
pinch1583
scrap1583
splinter1609
ticket1634
notchet1637
indivisible1644
tinyc1650
twopence1691
turn of the scale(s)1706
enough to swear by1756
touch1786
scrimptiona1825
infinitesimal1840
smidgen1841
snuff1842
fluxion1846
smitchel1856
eyelash1860
smidge1866
tenpenceworth1896
whisker1913
tidge1986
1842 J. Aiton Clerical Econ. 220 Put a snuff of the carbonate of soda into the broth pot when it first comes to boil.
1883 Cassell's Bk. Sports & Pastimes 50 A snuff of sand, or tuft of grass, to give the requisite elevation.
3. In colloquial phrases:
a. up to snuff, knowing, sharp, not easily deceived; up to the required or usual standard, up to scratch. Also attributive.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > wisdom, sagacity > worldly wisdom > [adjective]
world-wiseOE
worldly-wisec1400
smart1571
shrewd1589
hard1655
sharp1697
auld-farrant1702
up to snuff1810
canny1816
savvy1826
worldly1829
lairy1846
facultized1872
sophisticated1895
hep1899
hip1904
streetwise1949
ready1967
kewl1990
the world > action or operation > ability > able, capable, or competent [phrase] > fit or competent
to come up to (the) scratch1843
up to snuff1906
1810 J. Poole Hamlet Travestie ii. i. 21 Zooks, he's up to snuff.
1823 P. Egan Grose's Classical Dict. Vulgar Tongue (rev. ed.) at Up Up to snuff, and a pinch above it.
1847 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) xxxi. 313 An up-to-snuff, old vagabond.
1879 W. D. Howells Lady of Aroostook xxii You American ladies are so—up to snuff, as you say.
1906 J. London Let. 31 May (1966) 204 As usual, your criticisms are right up to snuff.
1931 Punch 4 Nov. 495/2 Now Romney painted well enough, And Reynolds too, they say, And Gainsborough's things are up to snuff, And Lawrence had his day.
1943 E. B. White Let. 20 Mar. (1976) 239 The Central Park piece..is up to snuff or better.
1944 R. Lehmann Ballad & Source 204 Madame Jardine says you're to go and see her for a few minutes. Only a few to-day. She's not quite up to snuff.
1974 S. Ellin Stronghold 33 He did not..go as far as some Quakers by convincement and suggest that birthright Quakers are not quite up to snuff.
1982 Notes & Queries Feb. 83/1 The publisher's rejection of such received proceedings reflects, I suppose, their commitment to a databank, annual slices of which will suffice to bring future editions of their guides up to snuff.
b. to beat to snuff, to beat utterly.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > success > mastery or superiority > have or gain mastery or superiority over [verb (transitive)] > overcome or defeat > soundly
threshc1384
to knock the socks offa1529
thump1597
thrash1609
thwacka1616
capot1649
to beat to snuff1819
to knock into a cocked hat1830
to —— (the) hell out of1833
sledgehammer1834
rout1835
whop1836
skin1838
whip-saw1842
to knock (the) spots off1850
to make mincemeat of1853
to mop (up) the floor with1875
to beat pointless1877
to lick into fits1879
to take apart1880
to knock out1883
wax1884
contund1885
to give (a person) fits1885
to wipe the floor with1887
flatten1892
to knock (someone) for six1902
slaughter1903
slather1910
to hit for six1937
hammer1948
whomp1952
bulldozer1954
zilch1957
shred1966
tank1973
slam-dunk1975
beast1977
1819 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. 5 638 All other Colleges, thou beat'st to snuff.
c. in high snuff, in high feather; elated.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > pleasure > joy, gladness, or delight > [adjective] > elated
jollyc1305
elated1615
elevateda1640
on (also upon) the high ropes (also rope)1672
high1695
elate1702
uppisha1704
vaudyc1720
in fine (also good, high) leg1808
exalté1831
in high snuff1840
bucked1907
thrilled1908
twitterpated1942
1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast xvi. 149 The Sandwich Islanders rode down, and were in ‘high snuff’.
d. to give (one) snuff, to deal sharply or severely with; to punish.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > punishment > [verb (transitive)]
threac897
tighta1000
beswinkc1175
punisha1325
chastise1362
paina1375
justifya1393
wage1412
reformc1450
chasten1526
thwart over thumba1529
chastifyc1540
amerce?1577
follow1579
to rap (a person) on the knuckles (also fingers)1584
finea1616
mulcta1620
fita1625
vindicate1632
trounce1657
reward1714
tawse1790
sort1815
to let (a person) have it1823
visit1836
to catch or get Jesse1839
to give, get goss1840
to have ita1848
to take (a person) to the woodshed1882
to give (one) snuff1890
soak1892
give1906
to weigh off1925
to tear down1938
zap1961
slap1968
society > authority > strictness > make more strict or severe [verb (transitive)] > be severe upon
to be sharp upon1561
to come down1611
to be severe on (or upon)1672
spitchcock1674
to handle without gloves1827
to handle with gloves off1828
to catch or get Jesse1839
to jump upon1868
to give (one) snuff1890
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > harshness or severity > be harsh or severe upon [verb (transitive)]
to be sharp upon1561
to come down1611
to be severe on (or upon)1672
spitchcock1674
to sit hard on1715
to handle without gloves1827
to handle with gloves off1828
to catch or get Jesse1839
to jump upon1868
to give (one) snuff1890
to give (a person) the works1901
hardball1984
1890 R. C. Lehmann Harry Fludyer 30 He rather gave me snuff about my extravagance.
1897 R. S. S. Baden-Powell Matabele Campaign vii. 192 Then with eager haste..he dashed up the rocks to ‘give the nigger snuff’.
Compounds
C1.
a. General attributive. Also snuff-box n., snuff-coloured adj.
snuff-bottle n.
ΚΠ
1850 Spirit of Times 16 Mar. 41/3 Did you see..that old snuff-bottle?
1883 J. Gilmour Among Mongols vi. 82 After snuff bottles had been exchanged.
snuff-colour n.
ΚΠ
1698 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 20 461 Down of a dark yellowish Snuff-Colour.
1883 T. Hardy in Longman's Mag. July 256 Her dress and that of the children were mostly of faded snuff-colour.
snuff hand n.
ΚΠ
1763 Brit. Mag. July 337/1 He next took up salt with the finger and thumb of his snuff hand.
snuff-handkerchief n.
ΚΠ
1695 P. Motteux tr. F. Pidou de St. Olon Present State Morocco 65 His Face muffled up in a Snuff-Handkerchief, of a dirty hue.
1711 J. Swift Jrnl. to Stella 4 May (1948) I. 260 I have been a mighty handkerchief-monger, and have bought abundance of snuff ones since I have left off taking snuff.]
snuff-mundungus n.
ΚΠ
1678 S. Butler Hudibras: Third Pt. iii. ii. 151 After h'had ministred a Dose Of Snuff-Mundungus, to his Nose.
snuff-rasp n.
ΚΠ
1711 J. Swift Let. to Stella 23 Oct. in Wks. (1768) XII. 242 A fine snuff-rasp of ivory.
1859 F. W. Fairholt Tobacco v. 245 A similar snuff-rasp to this.
snuff-shop n.
ΚΠ
1767 ‘Coriat Junior’ Another Traveller! I. 192 I had recruited myself at one of the best snuff-shops in Bruges.
1802 Edinb. Rev. 1 109 Doomed to quiet repose in a snuff-shop.
snuff-spoon n.
ΚΠ
1892 H. R. Haggard Nada the Lily xx. 166 Watching the two of them over the edge of my snuff-spoon.
snuff-stain n.
ΚΠ
1914 J. Joyce Dubliners 13 The red handkerchief,..blackened..with the snuff-stains of a week.
snuff-stick n.
ΚΠ
1879 A. W. Tourgée Fool's Errand (1883) 43 She had a snuff-stick in her mouth.
snuff-work n.
ΚΠ
1812 J. Smyth Pract. of Customs ii. 218 No Tobacco Stalks or Snuff-work allowed to be imported on penalty of forfeiture.
b. Objective.
snuff-grinder n.
snuff-maker n.
ΚΠ
1683 London Gaz. No. 1800/4 Snuffmaker and Perfumer.
1765 Ann. Reg. 1764 108 A dreadful fire broke out in the workshop of a snuff-maker.
snuff-manufacturer n.
ΚΠ
1822 (title) The British Perfumer, Snuff-Manufacturer, and Colourman's Guide.
snuff-merchant n.
ΚΠ
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian x, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. III. 265 My worthy snuff-merchant.
snuff-taker n.
ΚΠ
1710 Tatler No. 141. ⁋6 The Whetter is obliged to refresh himself every moment with a liquor, as the Snuff-taker with a powder.
1857 E. B. Ramsay Reminisc. Sc. Life iii The inveterate snuff-taker.
snuff-taking n.
ΚΠ
1775 J. Ash New Dict. Eng. Lang. Snuff-taking, the act or practice of taking snuff.
a1797 in Encycl. Brit. XVII. 565 Allowing 16 hours to a snuff-taking day.
1803 R. Southey Select. from Lett. (1856) I. 174 As I have written a reasoning defence of snuff~taking.
1813 Examiner 17 May 318/1 The reader has heard of his inordinate snuff-takings.
snuff-using n.
ΚΠ
1886 Pall Mall Gaz. 10 Aug. 11/3 Snuff-using..is on the decline.
c. Instrumental and parasynthetic.
snuff-clad adj.
ΚΠ
1790 J. Wolcot Elegy to Apollo in Wks. (1812) II. 278 In proud disdain their snuff-clad noses rise.
snuff-headed adj.
ΚΠ
1849 Zoologist 7 2393 The pochard is a ‘snuff-headed wigeon’.
snuff-stained adj.
ΚΠ
1791 J. Wolcot Magpie & Robin in Wks. (1812) II. 473 With snuff-stain'd neckcloth.
d. Similative
snuff-brown adj.
ΚΠ
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian To Rdr. in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. I. 2 A new coat, (snuff-brown, and with metal buttons).
1857 D. Livingstone Missionary Trav. S. Afr. xvii. 319 He had on a snuff-brown coat.
C2. Special combinations.
snuff-bean n. the tonka-bean, used for scenting snuff; one of these kept in a snuff-box for this purpose.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > smell and odour > fragrance > [noun] > fragrant substance or perfume > plants and extracts used for
roseeOE
nardusOE
nardOE
lavendera1300
spikenardc1350
piste?1440
orris root1598
bainilla1678
amberseed1728
vanilla1728
ambrette1745
vanell1790
tonka bean1796
scent bean1822
muguet1830
lemon-grass1837
vanillea1845
sweet pea1890
snuff-bean1898
oak moss1921
tea olive1952
1898 in Eng. Dial. Dict. (at cited word) In the corner o' his mull there aye lay buried a scentit snuff-bean.
snuff-dipper n. U.S. (see quot. 1859).
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > use of drugs and poison > tobacco > snuff > [noun] > taking snuff > one who
snuff-dipper1845
snuffer1882
1845 T. J. Green Jrnl. Texian Exped. x. 137 We believe the most filthy of all practices is that of your..‘snuff~dippers’.
1859 J. R. Bartlett Dict. Americanisms (ed. 2) 424 Snuff-dipper, one who makes a practice of chewing snuff.
1896 Amer. Missionary Oct. 324 One sister who had been a snuff-dipper for more than twenty years.
snuff-dipping n.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > use of drugs and poison > tobacco > snuff > [noun] > taking snuff
snuffing1691
snuff-dipping1860
1860 E. Cowell Jrnl. 22 Apr. in M. W. Disher Cowells in Amer. (1934) 65 The ladies have a habit.., ‘snuff dipping’ which is openly practised in the South, and privately indulged in, in the North.
1871 P. T. Barnum Struggles & Triumphs 96 The technical term for the proceeding is ‘snuff-dipping’.
1896 Amer. Missionary Oct. 324 The vile habit of snuff-dipping.
snuff-gourd n. a bottle gourd, the dried shell of the fruit of Lagenaria siceraria, a white-flowered annual vine; = snuff-box gourd n. at snuff-box n. Compounds 2.
ΘΚΠ
the world > plants > particular plants > cultivated or valued plants > plants, nuts, seeds, or fruits used as beads or vessels > [noun] > calabash fruit
calabash1596
bottle gourd1597
calabash fruit1707
jicara1859
snuff-box gourd1884
trumpet-gourd1884
snuff-gourd1901
society > occupation and work > equipment > receptacle or container > vessel > [noun] > gourd
gourd1596
calabash1657
gourd-shell1784
snuff-gourd1901
1901 R. Kipling Kim iv, in McClure's Mag. Feb. 361/1 The lama dipped deep into his snuff-gourd.
1921 Rec. Home & Foreign Mission Wk. United Free Church Scotl. June 190/2 Her dress consists simply of a ragged apron of goatskin, and a snuff-gourd hung round her neck.
snuffman n. a dealer in snuff.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > trader > traders or dealers in specific articles > [noun] > in other specific articles
ironmonger1164
ointer1263
bowyer1297
jewellera1382
fletcher1457
stapler1532
India merchant1618
tobacconist1657
colourman1663
tobacconer1701
lamp-man1704
drysalter1707
snuffman1723
wet-salter1725
potman1732
material man1778
tobacco-trader1840
dogman1860
stamp-dealer1863
waste-dealer1876
pearler1881
1723 London Gaz. No. 6195/7 Abraham Carcas,..Snuffman.
1852 M. W. Savage Reuben Medlicott iii. i The shop of a snuffman of the present day.
snuff-paper n. (in contemptuous use) bank-notes.
ΚΠ
1826 W. Scott Malachi Malagrowther iii. 8 The want of gold, to supply the place of that snuff-paper of yours.
snuff-swab n. U.S. (see quot.).
ΚΠ
1872 M. S. De Vere Americanisms 63 The dipping-stick is also called snuff-swab.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
snuffv.1
/snʌf/, U.S. /snəf/ 1. absolute.1637 T. Heywood Pleasant Dial. in Wks. (1874) VI. 321 To cleare the taper, if you snuffe too deepe, Out goes the light.
a. transitive. To free (a candle, wick, etc.) from the snuff, by pinching or cutting this off, or removing it with a special instrument.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > candle > [verb (transitive)] > remove the snuff from
snuffc1430
snuff?c1450
coll1808–79
?c1450 in G. J. Aungier Hist. & Antiq. Syon Monastery (1840) 367 To lyghte and quenche the tapers and candles, and snoffe them.
1465 in Manners & Househ. Expenses Eng. (1841) 492 Item, the same day my master bowt a snoffer to snoffe wyth candeles.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 724/1 Snoffe the candell, I can nat se to write els.
1573 R. Lever in Luckombe Hist. Print. (1771) 111 The first lighteth the candle..and the second doth but snuff it.
a1651 N. Culverwell Elegant Disc. Light of Nature (1652) i. ii. 11 Some unskilful ones, while they go about to snuff the Candle,..put it out.
1691 T. Birch Life Boyle in R. Boyle Wks. (1772) I. p. cxxxiv When the candles are newly snuffed and so the light increased.
1753 J. Hanway Hist. Acct. Brit. Trade Caspian Sea I. xxxiii. 224 In the middle of the room..was one large wax-candle; which they snuffed with scissers.
1793 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 84 100 The candle being occasionally snuffed when it appeared to stand in need of it.
1815 J. Smith Panorama Sci. & Art II. 316 The candle or lamp..should have a thick wick, which should be snuffed clean.
1841 C. Dickens Barnaby Rudge x. 295 John..placed a pair of..candlesticks..upon the table, and snuffed the lights they held.
1887 T. A. Trollope What I Remember I. i. 26 Two tallow candles, requiring to be snuffed by snuffers lying in a little plated tray.
b. figurative. To make clearer or brighter; to purge.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > cleanness and dirtiness > cleaning > clean [verb (transitive)]
yclense971
cleansea1000
farmOE
fayc1220
fowc1350
absterse?a1425
mundify?a1425
muck1429
to cast clean1522
absterge1526
sprinkle1526
reconcile1535
net1536
clengec1540
neat?1575
snuff?1575
rinse1595
deterge1623
scavengea1644
scavenger1645
decrott1653
reform1675
clean1681
deterse1684
fluxa1763
to clean away, offa1839
to clean down1839
scavage1851
untaint1855
to sand and canvas1912
?1575 E. Hellowes tr. A. de Guevara Familiar Epist. (new ed.) 367 It shall not be ouermuche..euer weeke..once or twice to purge and snuffe the soule.
1577 H. I. tr. H. Bullinger 50 Godlie Serm. II. iii. v. sig. Gg.iiv/2 The ministers of Christe must bee..throughly snuffed from al affeccions of the flesh.
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan i. v. 22 By exact definitions first snuffed, and purged from ambiguity.
a1706 Earl of Dorset Poems (1979) 38 Mopsa..Sets up for charming in her fading days; Snuffs her dim eyes to give one parting blow.
c. To suppress temporarily. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > subjection > subjecting or subjugation > subject [verb (transitive)] > suppress, repress, or put down > temporarily
snuff1650
1650 T. Fuller Pisgah-sight of Palestine i. x. 33 The Babylonish captivity did onely snuffe Iudah, for seventy years.
d. slang. = sense 2d below.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > killing > man-killing or homicide > murder or assassination > murder or assassinate [verb (transitive)]
amurderOE
murderc1175
homicidec1470
murdresc1480
murtrish1490
manquell1548
slaughter1582
massacre1591
assassinate1600
remove1609
assassin1620
to do the business for a person1759
Septembrize1794
croak1823
square1888
shift1898
to take out1900
to bump off1907
bump1914
to do in1914
to put out1917
to knock off1919
terminate1920
to give (a person) the works1929
scrag1930
snuff1932
wash1941
waste1964
wipe1968
to terminate with extreme prejudice1969
neutralize1970
snuff1973
stiff1974
1973 C. Alverson Fighting Back xxv. 129 Wait'll you see what you've got when Speranza finds out that you put Gino in a position to get snuffed.
1976 F. Warner Killing Time i. i. 7 They had to sneak over and come back with a prisoner, and most got snuffed themselves.
1978 T. Gifford Glendower Legacy (1979) 158 We should have snuffed this little shit when we had the chance.
2. With out:† a. To remove by snuffing. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > artificial light > an artificial light > candle > [verb (transitive)] > remove the snuff from
snuffc1430
snuff?c1450
coll1808–79
c1430 Wycliffite Bible Exod. xxv. 38 Where tho thingis, that ben snottid [v.r. snuffid] out, ben quenchid.
b. To extinguish, put out; to cause to go out or disappear from sight.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > invisibility > make invisible [verb (transitive)] > cause to vanish or disappear
formeltc893
consumea1398
vanishc1450
vapoura1475
obliterate1607
snuff1688
efface1843
melt1865
disappear1897
magic1906
the world > matter > light > darkness or absence of light > make dark [verb (transitive)] > quench (light)
aquenchc1000
quenchOE
to do outa1425
extinct1483
to put outa1500
out-quencha1522
dout1526
pop1530
extinguish1551
to put forth1598
snuff1688
douse1753
douse1780
smoor1808
to turn out1844
outen1877
to turn off1892
to black out1913
the world > matter > light > darkness or absence of light > make dark [verb (transitive)] > quench (light) > snuff (a candle)
snota1425
snitec1440
snaste1561
top1594
snuff1688
snib1808
1688 G. Miege Great French Dict. ii. sig. Qqq3v/2 To snuff out the Candle.
1823 Ld. Byron Don Juan: Canto XI lx. 133 'Tis strange the mind, that very fiery particle, Should let itself be snuffed out by an Article.
1841 C. Dickens Barnaby Rudge iii. 250 Slight yellow specks, that seemed to be rapidly snuffed out one by one.
1890 Hardwicke's Sci.-gossip 26 271 During these occultations the light of the star is instantaneously snuffed out, as it were, when overtaken by the moon's limb.
c. To eclipse, efface, wipe out; to terminate (life).
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > creation > destruction > destroy [verb (transitive)] > annihilate or blot out of existence
dilghec897
defacec1386
annul1395
anientec1400
refer?c1400
extinct1484
annihil1490
delete1495
out-terma1500
perspoil1523
extaintc1540
extinguish1555
blot1561
wipe1564
to cut the throat of1565
annihilate1567
dissipatea1575
annihilate1586
nullify1609
nullize1615
expunge1628
nothing1637
null1647
extramund1654
be-nothing1674
erase1728
obliterate1798
simoom1821
to tear to shreds1837
snuff1852
mop1859
to take out1900
napoo1915
naught1958
1852 P. Hawker Diary (1893) II. 340 I hope to see the Minié snuffed out, no matter by whom.
1873 C. M. Davies Unorthodox London 46 At first the attempt was made to ‘snuff out’ ‘The Sling and the Stone’.
1879 L. Stephen Hours in Libr. 3rd Ser. i. 12 A silly coxcombry to be..snuffed out by the worldly cynicism of the new generation.
1929 B. Hall & J. J. Niles One Man's War iii. 25 We..knew..that many lives would be snuffed out ere long.
1981 Telegraph (Brisbane) 23 Jan. 4/5 A prosecution witness today admitted she was content that the life of the man known as ‘Mr Asia’ should be snuffed out.
d. slang. To kill, to murder.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > killing > man-killing or homicide > murder or assassination > murder or assassinate [verb (transitive)]
amurderOE
murderc1175
homicidec1470
murdresc1480
murtrish1490
manquell1548
slaughter1582
massacre1591
assassinate1600
remove1609
assassin1620
to do the business for a person1759
Septembrize1794
croak1823
square1888
shift1898
to take out1900
to bump off1907
bump1914
to do in1914
to put out1917
to knock off1919
terminate1920
to give (a person) the works1929
scrag1930
snuff1932
wash1941
waste1964
wipe1968
to terminate with extreme prejudice1969
neutralize1970
snuff1973
stiff1974
1932 E. Wallace When Gangs came to London xxviii. 285 Eddie would have snuffed out Cora.
1973 Philadelphia Inquirer 7 Oct. (Today Suppl.) 12/1 ‘You're saying you're going to snuff that guy out before you know?’.. ‘The people who are murdered didn't get an equal chance.’
1980 E. Behr Getting Even xv. 174 If I cause too much embarrassment, they'll just snuff me out.
3.
a. intransitive. To die. slang or colloquial. Also const. out.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > [verb (intransitive)]
forsweltc888
sweltc888
adeadeOE
deadc950
wendeOE
i-wite971
starveOE
witea1000
forfereOE
forthfareOE
forworthc1000
to go (also depart , pass, i-wite, chare) out of this worldOE
queleOE
fallOE
to take (also nim, underfo) (the) deathOE
to shed (one's own) blood?a1100
diec1135
endc1175
farec1175
to give up the ghostc1175
letc1200
aswelta1250
leavea1250
to-sweltc1275
to-worthc1275
to yield (up) the ghost (soul, breath, life, spirit)c1290
finea1300
spilla1300
part?1316
to leese one's life-daysa1325
to nim the way of deathc1325
to tine, leave, lose the sweatc1330
flit1340
trance1340
determinec1374
disperisha1382
to go the way of all the eartha1382
to be gathered to one's fathers1382
miscarryc1387
shut1390
goa1393
to die upa1400
expirea1400
fleea1400
to pass awaya1400
to seek out of lifea1400–50
to sye hethena1400
tinea1400
trespass14..
espirec1430
to end one's days?a1439
decease1439
to go away?a1450
ungoc1450
unlivec1450
to change one's lifea1470
vade1495
depart1501
to pay one's debt to (also the debt of) naturea1513
to decease this world1515
to go over?1520
jet1530
vade1530
to go westa1532
to pick over the perch1532
galpa1535
to die the death1535
to depart to God1548
to go home1561
mort1568
inlaikc1575
shuffle1576
finish1578
to hop (also tip, pitch over, drop off, etc.) the perch1587
relent1587
unbreathe1589
transpass1592
to lose one's breath1596
to make a die (of it)1611
to go offa1616
fail1623
to go out1635
to peak over the percha1641
exita1652
drop1654
to knock offa1657
to kick upa1658
to pay nature her due1657
ghost1666
to march off1693
to die off1697
pike1697
to drop off1699
tip (over) the perch1699
to pass (also go, be called, etc.) to one's reward1703
sink1718
vent1718
to launch into eternity1719
to join the majority1721
demise1727
to pack off1735
to slip one's cable1751
turf1763
to move off1764
to pop off the hooks1764
to hop off1797
to pass on1805
to go to glory1814
sough1816
to hand in one's accounts1817
to slip one's breatha1819
croak1819
to slip one's wind1819
stiffen1820
weed1824
buy1825
to drop short1826
to fall (a) prey (also victim, sacrifice) to1839
to get one's (also the) call1839
to drop (etc.) off the hooks1840
to unreeve one's lifeline1840
to step out1844
to cash, pass or send in one's checks1845
to hand in one's checks1845
to go off the handle1848
to go under1848
succumb1849
to turn one's toes up1851
to peg out1852
walk1858
snuff1864
to go or be up the flume1865
to pass outc1867
to cash in one's chips1870
to go (also pass over) to the majority1883
to cash in1884
to cop it1884
snuff1885
to belly up1886
perch1886
to kick the bucket1889
off1890
to knock over1892
to pass over1897
to stop one1901
to pass in1904
to hand in one's marble1911
the silver cord is loosed1911
pip1913
to cross over1915
conk1917
to check out1921
to kick off1921
to pack up1925
to step off1926
to take the ferry1928
peg1931
to meet one's Maker1933
to kiss off1935
to crease it1959
zonk1968
cark1977
to cark it1979
to take a dirt nap1981
1864 J. C. Hotten Slang Dict. (new ed.) Snuff out, to die.
1895 A. C. Bicknell Trav. N. Queensland xxi. 186 The old man was very feeble, and looked like snuffing out before he had completed his story.
1916 C. J. Dennis Songs Sentimental Bloke (new ed.) v. 43 They think she's snuffed, an' plant 'er in 'er tomb.
b. With it: = 3a. slang.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > death > [verb (intransitive)]
forsweltc888
sweltc888
adeadeOE
deadc950
wendeOE
i-wite971
starveOE
witea1000
forfereOE
forthfareOE
forworthc1000
to go (also depart , pass, i-wite, chare) out of this worldOE
queleOE
fallOE
to take (also nim, underfo) (the) deathOE
to shed (one's own) blood?a1100
diec1135
endc1175
farec1175
to give up the ghostc1175
letc1200
aswelta1250
leavea1250
to-sweltc1275
to-worthc1275
to yield (up) the ghost (soul, breath, life, spirit)c1290
finea1300
spilla1300
part?1316
to leese one's life-daysa1325
to nim the way of deathc1325
to tine, leave, lose the sweatc1330
flit1340
trance1340
determinec1374
disperisha1382
to go the way of all the eartha1382
to be gathered to one's fathers1382
miscarryc1387
shut1390
goa1393
to die upa1400
expirea1400
fleea1400
to pass awaya1400
to seek out of lifea1400–50
to sye hethena1400
tinea1400
trespass14..
espirec1430
to end one's days?a1439
decease1439
to go away?a1450
ungoc1450
unlivec1450
to change one's lifea1470
vade1495
depart1501
to pay one's debt to (also the debt of) naturea1513
to decease this world1515
to go over?1520
jet1530
vade1530
to go westa1532
to pick over the perch1532
galpa1535
to die the death1535
to depart to God1548
to go home1561
mort1568
inlaikc1575
shuffle1576
finish1578
to hop (also tip, pitch over, drop off, etc.) the perch1587
relent1587
unbreathe1589
transpass1592
to lose one's breath1596
to make a die (of it)1611
to go offa1616
fail1623
to go out1635
to peak over the percha1641
exita1652
drop1654
to knock offa1657
to kick upa1658
to pay nature her due1657
ghost1666
to march off1693
to die off1697
pike1697
to drop off1699
tip (over) the perch1699
to pass (also go, be called, etc.) to one's reward1703
sink1718
vent1718
to launch into eternity1719
to join the majority1721
demise1727
to pack off1735
to slip one's cable1751
turf1763
to move off1764
to pop off the hooks1764
to hop off1797
to pass on1805
to go to glory1814
sough1816
to hand in one's accounts1817
to slip one's breatha1819
croak1819
to slip one's wind1819
stiffen1820
weed1824
buy1825
to drop short1826
to fall (a) prey (also victim, sacrifice) to1839
to get one's (also the) call1839
to drop (etc.) off the hooks1840
to unreeve one's lifeline1840
to step out1844
to cash, pass or send in one's checks1845
to hand in one's checks1845
to go off the handle1848
to go under1848
succumb1849
to turn one's toes up1851
to peg out1852
walk1858
snuff1864
to go or be up the flume1865
to pass outc1867
to cash in one's chips1870
to go (also pass over) to the majority1883
to cash in1884
to cop it1884
snuff1885
to belly up1886
perch1886
to kick the bucket1889
off1890
to knock over1892
to pass over1897
to stop one1901
to pass in1904
to hand in one's marble1911
the silver cord is loosed1911
pip1913
to cross over1915
conk1917
to check out1921
to kick off1921
to pack up1925
to step off1926
to take the ferry1928
peg1931
to meet one's Maker1933
to kiss off1935
to crease it1959
zonk1968
cark1977
to cark it1979
to take a dirt nap1981
1885 G. R. Sims Rogues & Vagabonds iv. 21 Josh Heckett isn't going to snuff it just for a crack on the head.
1896 Daily News 26 Mar. 6/4 I have the pleasure to inform you that your mother-in-law snuffed it.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
snuffv.2
/snʌf/, U.S. /snəf/ I. transitive.figurative.1629 H. Burton Truth's Triumph 224 These Pontificians..snuffing vp the winde of vaine opinions.1639 G. Daniel Vervicensis 485 Like to those Who put on Sullen lookes, and grumble short, Who Snuffe poore Women vp, with a hot Nose.† 3. To clear (the nose) by inhalation. Obsolete.
1. To draw up or in through the nostrils by the action of inhalation.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > respiratory organs > breathing > inhalation > inhale [verb (transitive)] > through nose
snuvec1200
snuff1527
snuff1547
to breathe in1576
snuffle1599
whiff1635
snivel1668
sniff1796
1527 L. Andrewe tr. H. Brunschwig Vertuose Boke Distyllacyon sig. Div The same water snuffed upward in the nose is very good to puryfye the hede.
1555 R. Eden tr. Peter Martyr of Angleria Decades of Newe Worlde i. ix. f. 46 Snuffinge vp into theyr nosethryls the pouder.
1579 E. K. in E. Spenser Shepheardes Cal. Feb. 75 Gloss. Venteth, snuffeth in the wind.
1608 D. Tuvill Ess. Politicke, & Morall f. 59v For euen so likewise may those little Atomies be snuft vp with the ayre.
1632 tr. G. Bruele Praxis Medicinæ 151 We will make a powder..and snuffe this vp into the nose.
1697 Philos. Trans. 1695–7 (Royal Soc.) 19 681 The Juice of this Weed being snuft up the Nose, is good to make one sneeze.
1746 G. Berkeley Second Let. Tar-water §15 Tar-water hath been snuffed up the nostrils.
1782 F. Burney Cecilia V. ix. iv. 54 Then I take a walk..and snuff in a little fresh country air.
1817 W. Scott Rob Roy III. i. 30 Snuffing up his breath through his nose.
1872 T. H. Huxley Lessons Elem. Physiol. (ed. 6) viii. 197 When we wish to perceive a faint odour more distinctly, we sniff, or snuff up the air.
2. figurative.1844 B. Disraeli Coningsby III. ix. vi. 325 They snuffed the factious air, and felt the coming storm.
a. To inhale, draw up, into or through the nostrils.to snuff pepper: see to snuff pepper at pepper n. 4a.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > respiratory organs > breathing > inhalation > inhale [verb (transitive)] > through nose
snuvec1200
snuff1527
snuff1547
to breathe in1576
snuffle1599
whiff1635
snivel1668
sniff1796
1547 A. Borde Breuiary of Helthe i. f. Ciiiv The pouder of peper..snuft or blowen into the nose dothe make quycke sternutacions.
1615 S. Rowlands Melancholie Knight 13 Snuffe some into your nostrils till you neese.
1642 H. More Ψυχωδια Platonica sig. N4v The nostrills snuff perfumed wind.
1726 E. Fenton in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey IV. xix. 507 The pack impatient snuff the tainted gale.
1774 Nicholls in Corresp. w. Gray (1843) 175 There I snuffed once more the fragrance of that air.
1814 W. Scott Waverley II. xv. 227 The leading Highlander snuffed the wind like a setting spaniel. View more context for this quotation
1870 W. Morris Earthly Paradise: Pt. IV 239 The Persian merchants stood and snuffed the scent Of frankincense.
b. To draw out by snuffing. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > organs of excretion > excretion of mucus > excrete mucus [verb (transitive)] > clear nose
snitec1305
snuff1561
snot1576
void1594
snurt1600
snuff1648
snivel1835
snort1835
1648 H. Hexham Groot Woorden-boeck Snuyven, to Snuffe out the Snot or Filth out of ones Nose.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > organs of excretion > excretion of mucus > excrete mucus [verb (transitive)] > clear nose
snitec1305
snuff1561
snot1576
void1594
snurt1600
snuff1648
snivel1835
snort1835
1561 J. Hollybush tr. H. Brunschwig Most Excellent Homish Apothecarye f. 3 If he can not snoffe his nose.
1653 T. Urquhart tr. F. Rabelais 1st Bk. Wks. xx. 88 Master Janotus with his Adherents, vowed never to blow or snuffe their noses, until judgement were given.
4. To detect, perceive, or anticipate, by inhaling the odour of. Also frequently figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > smell and odour > [verb (transitive)] > track or perceive using sense of smell
i-stinkc1000
smellc1175
smakec1220
feelc1225
asmellc1320
savoura1382
scenta1425
winda1425
get1530
vent1575
nose1577
smell1608
resent1614
snuff1697
to get (also take, pick up) the scent1723
to carry scent1753
find1827
snuffle1871
flair1919
the world > action or operation > endeavour > searching or seeking > finding or discovery > find or discover [verb (transitive)] > detect > (as) by smelling
smellc1380
smell?1548
scent?1553
outsmella1563
nosea1637
to get (also take, pick up) the scent1723
snuff1790
besmell1803
sniff1864
snuffle1871
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics i, in tr. Virgil Wks. 64 The Cow..from afar can find The change of Heav'n, and snuffs it in the Wind. View more context for this quotation
a1763 W. Shenstone Wks. Verse & Prose (1764) I. 82 E'en now the villain snuffs his wonted prey.
1790 P. Francis in W. B. Scoones Four Cent. Eng. Lett. (1880) 307 I snuff it [i.e. mischief] in the wind. I taste it already.
1810 R. Southey Curse of Kehama vi. 46 What if the hungry Tyger..Should snuff his banquet nigh?
1830 T. P. Thompson in Westm. Rev. July 240 The high church and the tories snuff the possibility of another revolutionary war.
1863 W. C. Baldwin Afr. Hunting ii. 41 The old bull snuffed danger in the wind.
5. To smell at, examine by smelling.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > smell and odour > [verb (transitive)] > exercise the sense of smell
snevec1200
snokec1380
savoura1382
thevea1400
whiff1635
nesea1637
scent1638
venta1640
taste1656
snift1736
sniff1792
olfact1805
to run up1815
smell1831
sniffa1845
snuff1858
smellsip1922
1858 J. Brown Rab in Horæ Subsecivæ 1st Ser. 298 He [a dog]..snuffed him all over.
1874 J. S. Blackie On Self-culture 29 Like the racing of some little dog about the moor, snuffing everything and catching nothing.
1888 T. Frost Reminisc. Country Journalist iii. 34 He observed a dog..snuff the earth at the edge of the swampy ground.
II. intransitive.
6.
a. To draw air, etc., into the nostrils by an effort of inhalation; to do this in order to smell something. Also const. after, at.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > smell and odour > [verb (intransitive)] > exercise sense of smell
smellc1200
smella1300
snokec1380
smell1526
snuff1530
snuffle1601
whiff1635
sniff1788
nose1794
nuzzle1806
snuft1820
snuzzle1861
the world > life > the body > respiratory organs > breathing > inhalation > inhale [verb (intransitive)] > through nose
sniffc1340
snifterc1340
snavelc1480
snuff1530
snuffle1611
snufter1632
whiff1635
snot1662
snift1703
snotter1710
snuff1714
sniffle1819
snoach1844
α.
β. a1533 Ld. Berners tr. Arthur of Brytayn (?1560) xlviii. sig. Iviv Than sir Isembarte..snuffed in the nose and bette togyder his teth.?1553 Respublica (1952) iii. iv. 27 Come the devill yf hym luste staring and snuffing.1631 B. Jonson Bartholmew Fayre ii. v. 26 in Wks. II Go, snuffe after your brothers bitch.1672 Duke of Buckingham Rehearsal i. 9 So Boar and Sow, when any storm is nigh, Snuff up, and smell it gath'ring in the Skie.a1720 W. Sewel Hist. Quakers (1795) II. vii. 61 But the bull snuffing, went a little back.a1761 J. Cawthorn Poems (1771) 225 Quick to his side he flies amain, And peeps, and snuffs, and peeps again.1826 W. Scott Woodstock I. iii. 62 The good hound..continued to snuff around Joseph Tomkins's cloak.1863 W. C. Baldwin Afr. Hunting ix. 389 He elevated head and tail, snuffed, trotted, and snorted.1879 J. Beerbohm Wanderings in Patagonia iv. 61 I woke, roused by some horse which..was snuffing at me curiously.1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 724/1 I snoffe, as a man doth, or a horse, je reniffle. Herke how he snoffeth.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Jer. ii. 23 Like a wilde Asse..that snoffeth and bloweth.
b. Const. up one's nose.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > respiratory organs > breathing > inhalation > inhale [verb (intransitive)] > through nose
sniffc1340
snifterc1340
snavelc1480
snuff1530
snuffle1611
snufter1632
whiff1635
snot1662
snift1703
snotter1710
snuff1714
sniffle1819
snoach1844
1714 in Addison Lover No. 10 He will also snuff up his nose and spit it out as he eats.
1741 Ld. Chesterfield Let. 25 July (1932) (modernized text) II. 460 Tricks..such as snuffing up his nose.
1756 C. Smart tr. Horace Satires ii. vii, in tr. Horace Wks. (1826) II. 161 I am easily seduced by my appetite; I snuff up my nose at a savoury smell.
7. To express scorn, disdain, or contempt by snuffing; to sniff. Frequently const. at a thing or person. Now rare or Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > think or behave contemptuously [verb (intransitive)] > express contempt by sniffing
snuff1544
snuffle1583
sniff1837
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > hold in contempt [verb (transitive)] > express contempt of > by sniffing
snuff1544
sniff1729
(a)
(b)1567 T. Drant tr. Horace Arte of Poetrie sig. Aviijv The noble, honorable, rytche..will snuffe, and take It peper in their nose.1579 L. Tomson tr. J. Calvin Serm. Epist. S. Paule to Timothie & Titus 61/2 Curssed shall he be, that shal dare to snuffe against his creator.1607 S. Hieron Platforme Obed. in Wks. (1620) I. 332 When the word of God is preached,..many worldlings begin by and by to snuffe.1674 J. Bunyan Christian Behaviour in Wks. (1852) II. 568 It argueth pride when..thou snuffest and givest way to thy spirit to be peevish.1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas IV. xii. vi. 411 If any of my acquaintance should snuff or snigger when they call me don.1544 T. Phaer Bk. Children (1553) A ij Suche..will doo nothinge but detract and iudge other, snuffing at all that offendeth the noses.
1575 G. Gascoigne Glasse of Gouernem. iv. vii. sig. K That one being ignorant of that others punishment, shall neuer grudge or snuffe at the same.
1643 Lismore Papers (1888) 2nd Ser. V. 139 Being snuffed at by some great ones, none of the rest wold signe.
1677 R. Gilpin Dæmonol. Sacra i. xvii. 135 Satan first presented these Services as a wearisome burthen, then they snuffed at them.
8. To inhale powdered tobacco; to take snuff.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > use of drugs and poison > tobacco > snuff > take snuff [verb (intransitive)]
snuff1725
1725 A. Ramsay Gentle Shepherd iii. ii. Prol. The auld anes think it best..to..Snuff, crack, and take their rest.
1827 B. Disraeli Vivian Grey III. v. ii. 27 ‘Do you take snuff?’ and here he extended to Vivian a magnificent gold snuff-box.
1858 E. B. Ramsay Reminisc. Sc. Life (ed. 2) v I hope you do not let him snuff so much as he did.
1881 P. B. Du Chaillu Land Midnight Sun II. 92 The men and women smoked and snuffed a great deal.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
snuffv.3
Cant.
intransitive. To blind (a shopkeeper) with snuff in order to steal.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > sight and vision > not seeing or preventing from seeing > prevent from seeing [verb (transitive)] > (as) with specific substance
enfume1601
snuff1819
1819 J. H. Vaux New Vocab. Flash Lang. in Memoirs II. at Snuffing
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online September 2018).
snuffv.4
technical.
transitive. To smooth (leather) in the process of currying.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > working with specific materials > working with skins > work with skins [verb (transitive)] > stretch or smooth hides or leather
beam1605
stake1686
frizz1697
strike1764
seta1884
snuff1897
1897 C. T. Davis Manuf. Leather (ed. 2) 429 The leather is then set out either by machine or hand, and hung to dry, and when dry..is taken down and snuffed with a buffing slicker.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2019).
snuffint.
Scottish.
= stuff n.1 8b.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > intelligibility > absence of meaning > nonsense, rubbish > nonsense! [interjection]
strawc1412
tilly-vallya1529
flam-flirt1590
fiddlestick1600
fiddle-faddle1671
stuff1701
snuff1725
fudge1766
fiddlededeea1784
rats1816
havers1825
humbug1825
gammon1827
rubbish1839
pickles1846
rot1846
skittle1864
slush1869
flapdoodle1878
quatsch1907
phooey1908
tommyrot1931
balls1938
no shit1939
bollocks1940
phonus-bolonus1955
hockey1961
leave it out!1969
1725 A. Ramsay Gentle Shepherd ii. i Spin! Snuff!—Gae break your wheel.
1807–10 R. Tannahill Poems (1846) 21 Toot, snuff! 'bout news ye needna be sae thrang.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online June 2021).
<
n.11382
n.21570n.31678v.1c1430v.21527v.31819v.41897
int.1725- worked in
- worked off
- worked out
- worked over
- worked round
- worked through
- worked to
- worked up
- worked-off
- worked-out
- workedoff
- workedout
- worker
- worker ant
- worker bee
- worker bobbin
- worker card
- worker cell
- worker comb
- worker control
- worker cooperative
- worker director
- worker grub
- worker major
- worker meeting