snaffle

¹ American  

[snaf-uhl] / ˈsnæf əl /

noun

1. Also called snaffle bit. a bit, usually jointed in the middle and without a curb, with a large ring at each end to which a rein and cheek strap are attached.

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verb (used with object)

snaffled, snaffling

1. to put a snaffle on (a horse).

2. to control with or as with a snaffle.

snaffle ² American  

[snaf-uhl] / ˈsnæf əl /

verb (used with object)

British Informal.

snaffled, snaffling

1. to appropriate for one's own use, especially by devious means; purloin; filch.

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snaffle British  

/ ˈsnæfəl /

noun

1. Also called: snaffle bit. a simple jointed bit for a horse

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verb

1. informal to steal or take for oneself

2. to equip or control with a snaffle

Etymology

Origin of snaffle¹

1525–35; origin uncertain; compare Old Frisian snavel mouth, Dutch snavel, German Schnabel beak, bill

Origin of snaffle²

First recorded in 1715–25; origin uncertain

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

snaffle snaffled snaffling

Andrew Strauss' gravity-defying snaffle of Adam Gilchrist in 2005?

From BBC ● Dec. 5, 2025

Acorns are only on the ground for a short period, and the bears has to wander around to snaffle them all up.

From Slate ● Dec. 6, 2022

And at the end of an evening, it’s not uncommon for deer to emerge from the trees and snaffle up the leftover popcorn.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 27, 2022

Years later, I would visit the Valdes Peninsula in Argentina, where these scenes of orcas beaching themselves to snaffle sea lion pups off the shingle were filmed.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 3, 2022

But if you begin these flexions on the road you must use the curb, because Nelly now understands the snaffle to be for another purpose.

From Patroclus and Penelope A Chat in the Saddle by Theodore Ayrault Dodge

He fell twice to West Indies left arm spinner Akeal Hosein during England's tour of the Caribbean in December and left-arm seamer Arshdeep has snaffled his wicket twice in this series.

From BBC ● Jan. 25, 2025

Porter snaffled his second from Owen Farrell's kick, before a penalty try and Smith topped up England's lead.

From BBC ● Nov. 12, 2022

Meanwhile on 12, a precious hole is snaffled back by Europe, Fitzpatrick knocking his tee shot to five feet, Schauffele missing the green.

From The Guardian ● Sep. 25, 2021

That may have been because of South Africa's intended schedule, and it was only after Warner pulled out because of Australia's quarantine rules that de Kock was snaffled up.

From BBC ● Aug. 7, 2021

Julia'd snaffled all the Jaffa Cakes 'cause she's at home all day revising for her A levels.

From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell

Yet Denver's defense came up big when it mattered, Ja'Quan McMillian snaffling an interception to give the Broncos the chance to grab a winning score.

From Barron's ● Jan. 18, 2026

But then the latter's skillful knack of snaffling wickets came to the fore as he bagged two of Australia's dogged top order.

From BBC ● Dec. 26, 2025

Peter Vincenti's free-kick left much to be desired and Young was soon snaffling a bullet header from Jutkiewicz at the other end.

From The Guardian ● Jan. 26, 2013

And it'll be interesting to hear whether snaffling those last two wickets may have prevented Australia from getting a hefty over-rate fine.

From BBC ● Feb. 25, 2011

London was ignorant, London was stupid, London was always doing him and the other buccaneers down, was always snaffling something which he ought to have.

From The Summons by A. E. W. (Alfred Edward Woodley) Mason

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