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

See Examples For:

snaffle snaffled snaffling

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

The working assumption of the various campaigns is Mr Sunak is likely to snaffle one of the two golden tickets to the final run off decided by Conservative Party members.

From BBC ● Jul. 14, 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

Direct flexions of the head or placing it in a perpendicular position with the snaffle, and with the curb-reins.

From New Method of Horsemanship Including the Breaking and Training of Horses, with Instructions for Obtaining a Good Seat. by Baucher, F.

Luke Cowan-Dickie was held up over the line shortly after the restart before an aimless kick from Racing's Antoine Gibert was brilliantly snaffled by Roebuck.

From BBC ● Dec. 13, 2024

Lewis told presenter Daz Hale he "amazingly and luckily snaffled up" his first two professional jobs at the Birmingham Rep straight out of drama school.

From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2023

Chelsea were sloppy in possession at the back when Berger's heavy touch was almost snaffled by White, but City failed to capitalise.

From BBC ● Mar. 5, 2022

Maddison’s low cross, meant for Vardy, is snaffled by Alisson.

From The Guardian ● Feb. 13, 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

Even beyond the opportunistic passport snaffling that's gone on for decades – remember Zola Budd? – many gold medals are won thanks to training camps far from the territory whose national anthem is played.

From The Guardian ● Aug. 5, 2012

Bet you they’re snaffling it at the present moment.

From Jacob's Ladder by Oppenheim, E. Phillips (Edward Phillips)