c.1300, replacing O.E.
sniwan, which would have yielded modern
snew (which existed as a parallel form until 17c. and, in Yorkshire, even later), from the root of
snow (n.).
"Also þikke as snow þat snew,
Or al so hail þat stormes blew."
[Robert Mannyng of Brunne, transl. Wace's "Chronicle," c.1330]
The figurative sense of "overwhelm" is 1880, Amer.Eng., in phrase to
snow (someone) under.
Snow job "strong, persistent persuasion in a dubious cause" is World War II armed forces slang, probably from the same metaphoric image.
[snoh] 
), 1905–80, English novelist and scientist.
