I. ˈsnel adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German snel bold, agile
Date: before 12th century
1. chiefly Scottish : quick , acute
2. chiefly Scottish : keen , piercing
a snell wind smote us — Scotsman
3. chiefly Scottish : grievous , severe
II. noun
Etymology: origin unknown
Date: 1846
: a short line (as of gut) by which a fishhook is attached to a longer line