springe

[ sprinj ]

noun

1. a snare for catching small game.

verb (used with object)

, springed, spring·ing.

1. to catch in a springe.

verb (used without object)

, springed, spring·ing.

1. to set a springe or springes.

springe

/ 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

verb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of springe¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of springe¹

C13: related to Old English springan to spring

Example Sentences

For I will blesse her & geue the a sonne of her and will blesse her: so that people/ ye and kynges of people shall springe of her.

From Project Gutenberg

But these forest creatures that you take,—will they not bite against springe and snare?

From Project Gutenberg

During this discussion Ellangowan was somewhat like a woodcock caught in his own springe.

From Project Gutenberg

Bow-traps are especially favoured, but the springe for birds and the pitfalls for large animals are not despised.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg