snaffle

Meanings

Noun

• A broad-mouthed, loose-ringed bit (metal in a horse's mouth). It brings pressure to bear on the tongue and bars and corners of the mouth. Often used as a training bit.
• Decorative wear that looks like a snaffle.

Verb

• To put a snaffle on, or control with a snaffle.
• To clutch by the bridle.
• To grab or seize; to snap up.
• To purloin, or obtain by devious means.

Related

Similar words

• bradoon

Origin

• Apparently from Dutch snavel, from Middle Dutch snavel, snabel, diminutive of Middle Dutch snabbe, snebbe. Akin to Old Frisian snavel ("mouth"), Middle Low German snabbe, Old English nebb. More at neb.