Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Snuff?

\Snuff\, n. [Cf. G. schnuppe candle snuff, schnuppen to snuff a candle (see {Snuff}, v. t., to snuff a candle), or cf. {Snub}, v. t.] The part of a candle wick charred by the flame, whether burning or not. If the burning snuff happens to get out of the snuffers, you have a chance that it may fall into a dish of soup. --Swift.
\Snuff\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Snuffed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Snuffing}.] [OE. snuffen. See {Snuff} of a candle {Snuff} to sniff.] To crop the snuff of, as a candle; to take off the end of the snuff of. {To snuff out}, to extinguish by snuffing.
\Snuff\, v. t.[Akin to D. snuffen, G. schnupfen, schnuppen, to snuff, schnupfen a cold in the head, schnuppen to snuff (air), also, to snuff (a candle). Cf. {Sniff}, {Snout}, {Snub}, v. i.] 1. To draw in, or to inhale, forcibly through the nose; to sniff. He snuffs the wind, his heels the sand excite. --Dryden. 2. To perceive by the nose; to scent; to smell.
\Snuff\, v. i. 1. To inhale air through the nose with violence or with noise, as do dogs and horses. --Dryden. 2. To turn up the nose and inhale air, as an expression of contempt; hence, to take offense. Do the enemies of the church rage and snuff? --Bp. Hall.
\Snuff\, n. 1. The act of snuffing; perception by snuffing; a sniff. 2. Pulverized tobacco, etc., prepared to be taken into the nose; also, the amount taken at once. 3. Resentment, displeasure, or contempt, expressed by a snuffing of the nose. [Obs.] {Snuff dipping}. See {Dipping}, n., 5. {Snuff taker}, one who uses snuff by inhaling it through the nose. {To take it in snuff}, to be angry or offended. --Shak. {Up to snuff}, not likely to be imposed upon; knowing; acute. [Slang]