I. ˈsnīp noun
( plural snipes )
Etymology: Middle English, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse snīpa snipe; akin to Old High German snepfa snipe
Date: 14th century
1. or plural snipe : any of various usually slender-billed birds of the sandpiper family ; especially : any of several game birds (especially genus Gallinago ) especially of marshy areas
2. : a contemptible person
II. intransitive verb
( sniped ; snip·ing )
Date: 1832
1. : to shoot at exposed individuals (as of an enemy's forces) from a usually concealed point of vantage
2. : to aim a carping or snide attack
• snip·er noun