SNUFF

powdered preparation of tobacco used by inhalation or by dippingthat is, rubbing on the teeth and gums. Manufacture involves grinding the tobacco and subjecting it to repeated fermentations. Snuffs may be scented with attar of roses, lavender, cloves, jasmine, etc. The practice of inhaling snuff became popular in England around the 17th century; during the 18th century it was widespread throughout the world. At first, each quantity was freshly grated. Rappee (French rp, grated) is the name later given to a coarse, pungent snuff made from dark tobacco. Snuff takers carried graters with them; early 18th-century graters made of ivory and other materials still exist, as do elaborate snuffboxes.