I. ˈsnafəl noun
( -s )
Etymology: origin unknown
1. also snaffle bit : a bridle bit the mouthpiece of which has one or more joints or links and which consists in its simplest form of two bars tapering to where they are joined by a single ring — see bit illustration, bridle illustration
2. : a light or gentle restraint or check — compare curb
II. transitive verb
( snaffled ; snaffled ; snaffling -f(ə)liŋ ; snaffles )
1.
a. : to fit or equip with a snaffle
a snaffled bridle
b. : to restrain or check with or as if with a snaffle
2.
a. dialect chiefly Britain : steal , rob
b. : to obtain by devious or irregular means
c. : to obtain without delay : snap up
Synonyms: see restrain
III. intransitive verb
Etymology: probably alteration of snuffle
chiefly dialect : snuffle , sniff