Word Direct Answers

What does "snuff" mean?

Snuff: To draw in, or to inhale, forcibly through the nose; to sniff. He snuffs the wind, his heels the sand excite. Dryden.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To perceive by the nose; to scent; to smell.
  2. 3.To inhale air through the nose with violence or with noise, as do dogs and horses. Dryden.
  3. 4.To turn up the nose and inhale air, as an expression of contempt; hence, to take offense. Do the enemies of the church rage and snuff Bp. Hall.
  4. 5.The act of snuffing; perception by snuffing; a sniff.
  5. 6.Pulverized tobacco, etc., prepared to be taken into the nose; also, the amount taken at once.
  6. 7.Resentment, displeasure, or contempt, expressed by a snuffing of the nose. [Obs.] Snuff dipping. See Dipping, n., 5. -- Snuff taker, one who uses snuff by inhaling it through the nose. -- To take it in snuff, to be angry or offended. Shak. -- Up to snuff, not likely to be imposed upon; knowing; acute. [Slang]

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