sniff

sniff v.,n.

1. To watch IP packets traversing a local network. Most often in the phrase `packet sniffer', a program for doing same. 2.Synonym for poll.

--The Jargon File version 4.3.1, ed. ESR, autonoded by rescdsk.

Sniff (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Sniffed (?) or Snift; p. pr. & vb. n. Sniffing.] [OE. sneven; akin to snivel, snuff; cf. Dan. snive to sniff. See Snuff, v. t.]

To draw air audibly up the nose; to snuff; -- sometimes done as a gesture of suspicion, offense, or contempt.

So ye grow squeamish, gods, and sniff at heaven. M. Arnold.

© Webster 1913.

Sniff, v. t.

1.

To draw in with the breath through the nose; as, to sniff the air of the country.

2.

To perceive as by sniffing; to snuff, to scent; to smell; as, to sniff danger.

© Webster 1913.

Sniff, n.

The act of sniffing; perception by sniffing; that which is taken by sniffing; as, a sniff of air.

© Webster 1913.