/ ˈsnæfl; NAmE / verb
[ vn ] ( BrE , informal ) to take sth quickly for yourself, especially before anyone else has had the time or opportunity
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 16th cent. (denoting a bridle bit): probably from Low German or Dutch ; compare with Middle Low German , Middle Dutch snavel beak, mouth. The verb (mid 19th cent.) is perhaps a different word.