springe

American  

[sprinj] / sprɪndʒ /

noun

1. a snare for catching small game.

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verb (used with object)

springed, springing

1. to catch in a springe.

verb (used without object)

springed, springing

1. to set a springe or springes.

springe British  

/ sprɪndʒ /

noun

1. a snare set to catch small wild animals or birds and consisting of a loop attached to a bent twig or branch under tension

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verb

1. (intr) to set such a snare

2. (tr) to catch (small wild animals or birds) with such a snare

Etymology

Origin of springe

1200–50; Middle English, variant of sprenge a snare, literally, something that is made to spring, derivative of sprengen to make spring, Old English sprengan, causative of springan to spring

Example Sentences

Springe, sprinj, n. a snare with a spring-noose: a gin.—v.t. to catch in a springe.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

The wily intriguer was for once caught in his own springe.

From Hansford: A Tale of Bacon's Rebellion by Tucker, St. George

I have run into a springe like a woodcock, and into such a noose or trap as a fool only would have fallen into; one of my own setting.

From Hamlet by Kean, Charles John

I am the scape-goat!—I!—Be it so!—Should she be caught in her own springe, who can say I am to blame?

From Anna St. Ives by Holcroft, Thomas

I tried the springe several times for rabbits, and found it answer; but the poacher cannot use it because it is so conspicuous.

From The Amateur Poacher by Jefferies, Richard