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.
Snap, v. Also: snapp, snape. [e.m.E. snappe (1530), snap (1568), MDu., MLG snappen.] a. tr. ? To seize, get hold of. Also fig. To seize, snatch. b. To interrupt, snap at (in conversation) (like the snapping of dogs). c. To pull the trigger and thus release the firing mechanism (of a gun), to fire (a gun). d. intr. Of a gun: To go off, to make a sharp sound as of the firing mechanism being released.a. 1664 Argyll-Lauderdale Lett. 10.
I wish my L. Com. light on such letters as come heere, as I doubt not he may; ther will be more stuffe in them. I have offered to him to snape McNachtan's letters, after they passe this, but I have not yet order for itfig. c1475 Wall. ii 250.
Dede had him swappyt [1570 snappit] snellb. c1616 Hume Orthog. 18.
He snapped me on this hand and he on that, that the doctour had mikle a doe to win me room for a syllogismec. 1673 Justiciary Ct. Rec. II 131.
They … saw the gun presented and snapped 1684 Erskine Diary 76.
Three dragoons deponed … that … one of the pannels snaped a gun at them, one of the soldiers alledging it was not snaped but presented onlyd. 1673 Justiciary Ct. Rec. II 131.
He heard not the gun snapp 1688 Reg. Privy C. 3 Ser. XIII 267.
To interrogat if the deponents did see the defunct present a bended pistoll to my lord and if the pistoll did not snap and misgive when he designed to shoot my lord
