springe

American  

[sprinj] / sprɪndʒ /

noun

1. a snare for catching small game.

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verb (used with object)

springed, springing

1. to catch in a springe.

verb (used without object)

springed, springing

1. to set a springe or springes.

springe British  

/ sprɪndʒ /

noun

1. a snare set to catch small wild animals or birds and consisting of a loop attached to a bent twig or branch under tension

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verb

1. (intr) to set such a snare

2. (tr) to catch (small wild animals or birds) with such a snare

Etymology

Origin of springe

1200–50; Middle English, variant of sprenge a snare, literally, something that is made to spring, derivative of sprengen to make spring, Old English sprengan, causative of springan to spring

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

springe springed springing

It is said that a springe of somewhat similar construction was used for pheasants.

From The Amateur Poacher by Richard Jefferies

When May comes, Whan that I here the smale foules singe And that the floures ginne for to springe, Farwel my studie, as lasting that sesoun.

From Chaucer and His Times by Grace E. Hadow

We hold our Saxon woodcock in the springe, But he begins to flutter.

From Queen Mary and Harold by Alfred Tennyson, Baron Tennyson

A rare eye, too, is his at the setting of a springe for woodcocks, or tracking a maukin on the snow.

From Recreations of Christopher North, Volume 2 by John Wilson

I have run into a springe like a woodcock, and into such a noose or trap as a fool only would have fallen into; one of my own setting.

From Hamlet by Charles John Kean

A post-chaise is still a phenomenon in Chagford, the roads and lanes leading to it being so steep and rugged as to be ill adapted for springed vehicles of any sort.

From The Life of Thomas Telford; civil engineer with an introductory history of roads and travelling in Great Britain by Samuel Smiles

They had wintered it and springed it, and clung to it through bright days and dark.

From Four Girls and a Compact by Annie Hamilton Donnell

Witness the beautiful description: "All to once the nor'easter springed out from the land, an' afore us could down-haul the mainsail, the sea wer feather-white an' skatting in over the bows."

From A Poor Man's House by Stephen Sydney Reynolds

You have springed your dottrel, I find, and what is the consequence?—why, that there will be hue and cry after you presently.

From Redgauntlet by Sir Walter Scott

It’s springed a leak, an’ the water’s got down my neck.”

From Children of the Mist by Eden Phillpotts

The movement has spread beyond the capital, with smaller demonstrations springing up Wednesday in major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru and Patna.

From Barron's ● Jul. 23, 2026

But there’s a strong chance something will go wrong during many of those vacations, which makes a convincing case for buying a travel-insurance policy — especially if you’ll be springing for a pricey trip.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 9, 2026

The field is more crowded now, with Bowlero, Top Golf, and other eat-and-play concepts springing up in many of the same areas.

From Slate ● Jun. 25, 2026

Japan are not the only team capable of springing a surprise at this summer's World Cup.

From BBC ● Jun. 14, 2026

“I’ve got more lines,” the boy announced, springing up to his feet.

From "Krik? Krak!" by Edwidge Danticat