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

Example Sentences

After failing to convert a succession of chances he would normally snaffle without a thought in the draw against Chelsea at the weekend, Haaland seemed like a man on a mission from the first whistle.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2024

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

The right hand should then be placed firmly on the near side upper crutch of the saddle, the snaffle rein held between the pommel and the hand, the whip in the full of it.

From The Barb and the Bridle A Handbook of Equitation for Ladies, and Manual of Instruction in the Science of Riding, from the Preparatory Suppling Exercises by Moustache, Vielle