snib

1 of 4

transitive verb (1)

ˈsnib

variants or less commonly sneb

ˈsneb

snibbed; snibbed; snibbing; snibs

1

dialectal, British : check, restrain

2

dialectal, British : rebuke, snub

3

dialectal, British : to put an end to : cut short

snib

2 of 4

noun (1)

ˈsnib

plural -s

chiefly Scottish

: rebuff, snub

snib

3 of 4

transitive verb (2)

"

snibbed; snibbed; snibbing; snibs

Scottish

: fasten, bolt, bar

snibbed the door

—J. M. Barrie

snib

4 of 4

noun (2)

"

plural -s

dialectal, British

: a door fastening : bolt, catch

Word History

Etymology

Transitive verb (1)

Middle English snibben, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to obsolete Danish snibbe to scold, rebuke, obsolete Swedish snybba, Old Norse snubba

Noun (1)

Middle English snybb, from snibben, verb

Transitive verb (2)

origin unknown

Noun (2)

origin unknown

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now