snell

comparative sneller · superlative snellest

1. ScotlandQuick, smart; sharp, active, brisk or nimble; lively.

   Amos is a lithe, keen, snell man.

   1889, James Robertson, The Early Religion of Israel

   2 more examples

   That in ilk action, wise and snell / You may shaw Manly fire.

   1720, Allan Ramsay, Edinburgh's Salutation to Lord Carnarvon

   That horny-handed, snell, peremptory little man.

   1852, John Brown, Rab and his Friends

2. ScotlandQuick-witted; clever.

   With all this heavy artillery, somewhat slow and cumbrous, on great questions, he had no want, when he was speaking off-hand, of quick, snell remark, often witty and full of spirit, and often too unexpected, like lightning—flashing, smiting, and gone.

   1861, John Brown, Horæ Subsecivæ

3. ScotlandHarsh, severe, or stinging.

   Conscience is a rough lad, I grant you, and I am keen and snell also; but never mind, take his advice, and you’ll be some credit to your freens yet, ye scoonrel.

   1833, Michael Scott, Tom Cringle's Log

   1 more example

   Fortunately, we were well prepared for such an emergency, and being sheltered in a safe creek, we roofed the ship with canvas against the snow; and so, with land on every side of us, plenty of moss fuel ashore, a good stock of provisions, and firearms for hunting, we held our trouble, and passed the snell season without the loss of a single soul aboard.

   1881, Robert Buchanan, God and the Man

comparative more snell · superlative most snell

1. ScotlandalternativeAlternative form of snelly.

plural snells

1. ScotlandA short line of horsehair, gut, monofilament, etc., by which a fishhook or lure is attached to a longer (and usually heavier) line.

   He tied on new baited snells and recovered the current with the oars.

   1979, Cormac McCarthy, Suttree, Random House, page 194

present singular third person snells · participle present snelling · participle past snelled · past snelled

1. ScotlandTo tie a hook to the end of a fishing line with a snell knot.

   Can you show me how to snell a hook?

1. A surname.
2. An unincorporated community in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, United States.
3. An unincorporated community in Harrison, Marathon County, Wisconsin, United States.