snell

1 of 2

adjective

1
chiefly Scotland : quick, acute
2
chiefly Scotland : keen, piercing
a snell wind smote usScotsman
3
chiefly Scotland : grievous, severe

snell

2 of 2

noun

: a short line (as of gut) by which a fishhook is attached to a longer line

Examples of snell in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Pull it all the way through firmly to seat the snell knot properly behind the eye. Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 15 May 2024 The alternative is to also use a spinner/bottom bouncer setup with a snell float as shown here. Nicole Stone, Outdoor Life, 15 May 2024 Start by connecting the hook to the leader via a snell knot or Palomar knot. Joe Cermele, Field & Stream, 26 Oct. 2023
Noun
Learn to snell a hook for better bait fishing success The snell is a bit of an odd knot. Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 15 May 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'snell.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German snel bold, agile

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Adjective

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of snell was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near snell

Cite this Entry

“Snell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snell. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!