snaffle

noun

Also called snaffle bit. a bit, usually jointed in the middle and without a curb, with a large ring at each end to which a rein and cheek strap are attached.

verb (used with object)

to put a snaffle on (a horse).

to control with or as with a snaffle.

Origin:
1525–35; origin uncertain; compare Old Frisian snavel mouth, Dutch snavel, German Schnabel beak, bill

Dictionary.com Unabridged

verb (used with object), snaf·fled, snaf·fling. British Informal.

to appropriate for one's own use, especially by devious means; purloin; filch.

Origin:
1715–25; origin uncertain

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Link To snaffle

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to chew (food) slowly and thoroughly.

to spend time idly; loaf.

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Collins

World English Dictionary

snaffle (ˈsnæf^əl)

—n
1.	Also called: snaffle bit a simple jointed bit for a horse

—vb
2.	informal (Brit) to steal or take for oneself
3.	to equip or control with a snaffle

[C16: of uncertain origin; compare Old Frisian snavel mouth, Old High German snabul beak]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

snaffle

"simple bridle-bit," 1533, perhaps from Du. snavel "beak, bill;" cf. Ger. Schnabel "beak, face," O.E. nebb, O.N. neff "beak, nose," from PIE base *snab- "beak" (see neb).

Example sentences

But the red mare played with the snaffle-bars, as a maiden plays with a glove.

Already they had put the snaffle in the mouth of the landlords.

Now put a snaffle bit on your horse and repeat these lunging exercises.

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Related Words

bridoon cheekpiece

cheekpiece

Matching Quote

"They use the snaffle and the curb all right;
But where's the bloody horse?"

-Roy Campbell