snaffle

Meaning

Noun

1. A broad-mouthed, loose-ringed bit (metal in a horse's mouth). It brings pressure to bear on the tongue and bars and corners of the mouth, and is often used as a training bit.
2. Decorative wear that looks like a snaffle.

Verb

1. To put a snaffle on, or control with a snaffle.
2. To clutch by the bridle.
3. (informal) To grab or seize; to snap up.
4. (informal) To purloin, or obtain by devious means.

Synonyms

grab

snaffle bit

snap up

pinch

steal

swipe

capture

thieve

nick

seize

bridle

snag

nobble

rob

snatch

snitch

take hold of

snatch up

swoop up

bridle bit

catch

cheat

collar

curb

filch

frisk

hook

🪝

intercept

kidnap

nab

pop

rein

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈsnæfəl/

Etymology

Cognate with Old Frisian: snavel

In summary

Apparently from Dutch snavel, from Middle Dutch snavel, snabel (“snout”), diminutive of Middle Dutch snabbe, snebbe (“bird's bill, neb”). Akin to Old Frisian snavel (“mouth”), Middle Low German snabbe (“neb, beak”), Old English nebb (“beak, bill, nose, face”). More at neb.