v. & n.
v. 1 intr. draw up air audibly through the nose to stop it running or to detect a smell or as an expression of contempt. 2 tr. (often foll. by up) draw in (a scent, drug, liquid, or air) through the nose. 3 tr. draw in the scent of (food, drink, flowers, etc.) through the nose.
n. 1 an act or sound of sniffing. 2 the amount of air etc. sniffed up. sniff at 1 try the smell of; show interest in. 2 show contempt for or discontent with. sniff out detect; discover by investigation. sniffingly adv.
[ ME, imit. ]