[snare] n [ME, fr. OE sneare, fr. ON snara; akin to OHG snuor cord and perh. to Gk narke numbness] (bef. 12c) 1 a (1): a contrivance often consisting of a noose for entangling birds or mammals (2): trap, gin b (1): something by which one is entangled, involved in difficulties, or impeded (2): something deceptively attractive
2. [prob. fr. D snaar, lit., cord; akin to OHG snuor] a: one of the catgut strings or metal spirals of a snare drum b: snare drum
3: a surgical instrument consisting usu. of a wire loop constricted by a mechanism in the handle and used for removing tissue masses (as tonsils)
[2]snare vt snared ; snar.ing (14c) 1 a: to capture by or as if by use of a snare b: to win or attain by artful or skillful maneuvers
2: to entangle or hold as if in a snare "any object that snared his eye --Current Biog." syn see catch -- snar.er n