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• snell
  snell

  noun

  a short piece of nylon, gut, or the like, by which a fishhook is attached to a line.
• Snell
  Snell

  noun

  Peter (George), 1938–2019, New Zealand distance runner.

snell

¹ American  

[snel] / snɛl /

noun

1. a short piece of nylon, gut, or the like, by which a fishhook is attached to a line.

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snell ² American  

[snel] / snɛl /

adjective

Chiefly Scot.

1. active; lively.

   a snell lad.

2. witty.

   a snell remark.

3. severe.

   snell weather.

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Snell ³ American  

[snel] / snɛl /

noun

1. Peter (George), 1938–2019, New Zealand distance runner.

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Snell ¹ British  

/ snɛl /

noun

1. Sir Peter ( George ). born 1938, New Zealand athlete; winner of three Olympic gold medals: for the 800 metres in 1960, and again in 1964, when he also won gold for the 1500 metres

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snell ² British  

/ snɛl /

adjective

1. biting; bitter; sharp

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Etymology

Origin of snell¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50; origin uncertain

Origin of snell²

before 900; Middle English, Old English; cognate with Old High German snel ( German schnell ) quick, Old Norse snjallr excellent

Example Sentences

Flies, leaders, and snell hooks, said he, are made in many a humble European home.

From Time Magazine Archive

Thread the leader through the mantle and to the bottom of the squid, then snell a 9/0 to 10/0 Mustad Super Marlin 7761 BLN hook to the leader.

From Time Magazine Archive

One benefit of the snell knot is that it aligns the fishing line or leader with the hook shank, resulting in a straight, solid set.

From Time Magazine Archive

Snelled hooks are often used when fishing natural baits for species such as striped bass and flounder, and fly anglers have long used the snell knot to attach tarpon streamers to heavy leaders.

From Time Magazine Archive

To-day, though brisk and snell on the streets, the sunshine had a lively vigour, a generous quality, a promissory note of the equinox.

From Pipefuls by Morley, Christopher