— sniffingly , adv.
/snif/ , v.i.
1. to draw air through the nose in short, audible inhalations.
2. to clear the nose by so doing; sniffle.
3. to smell by short inhalations.
4. to show disdain, contempt, etc., by or as by sniffing.
v.t.
5. to perceive by or as by smelling: to sniff a scandal.
6. to inhale through the nose: to sniff the air.
n.
7. an act of sniffing; a single, short, audible inhalation.
8. the sound made by such an act.
9. a scent or odor perceived: a sniff of perfume.
[ 1300-50; ME; back formation from SNIVEL ]