A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Snak, Snack, v. [ME and e.m.E. snak (14th c.), MDu. snacken to snap, Norw. dial. snaka to snatch.] a. ? To snap off (doun) (a branch) or ? an example of Snek v.2 to cut off. b. To bite, snap (at). Also transf. —a. a1500 Henr. Fab. 2104.
He lap out ouer ane dyke And snakkit [H., Bass. hakkit] … doun ane staff … That heuie wes and off the holyne grene —b. 1581-1623 James VI Poems I 170/1088.
All teared with lyam-hounds, whome of The one doth bite his back: One pulles his flanke, an other at His breast dooth bussie snack —transf. 1635 Dickson Wr. 24.
God will not mistake him, or captiously snack at his words
