I. ˈsner noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English sneare, probably from Old Norse snara; akin to Old High German snuor cord and perhaps to Greek narkē numbness
Date: before 12th century
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.
[probably from Dutch snaar, literally, cord; akin to Old High German snuor ]
a. : one of the catgut strings or metal spirals of a snare drum
b. : snare drum
3. : a surgical instrument consisting usually of a wire loop constricted by a mechanism in the handle and used for removing tissue masses (as tonsils)
II. transitive verb
( snared ; snar·ing )
Date: 14th century
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 Biography
Synonyms: see catch
• snar·er noun