hoop snake

American  

noun

1. any of several harmless snakes, as the mud snake and rainbow snake, fabled to take its tail in its mouth and roll along like a hoop.

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hoop snake British  

noun

1. any of various North American snakes, such as the mud snake ( Farancia abacura ), that were formerly thought to hold the tail in the mouth and roll along like a hoop

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Etymology

Origin of hoop snake

An Americanism dating back to 1775–85

Example Sentences

I had sense enough not to take no shortcuts and stuck to the road so’s I could at least see the hoop snake hunting party if I ran up on it.

From "Elijah of Buxton" by Christopher Paul Curtis

I said, “But, Ma, I ain’t looking to die even one time, ’specially not from no hoop snake bite!

From "Elijah of Buxton" by Christopher Paul Curtis

That is how pisen a hoop snake is.

From Mitch Miller by Sloan, John

I'd have no hobnobbing with a hoop snake.

From A Dream of Empire Or, The House of Blennerhassett by Venable, William Henry

The "hoop snake" was quite as authentic to us as the blue racer, although no one had actually seen one.

From A Son of the Middle Border by Garland, Hamlin