Snuff (?), n. [Cf. G. schnuppe candle snuff, schnuppen to snuff a candle (see Snuff, v. t., to snuff a candle), or cf. Snub, v. t.]
The part of a candle wick charred by the flame, whether burning or not.
If the burning snuff happens to get out of the snuffers, you have a chance that it may fall into a dish of soup.
Swift.
© Webster 1913.
Snuff, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Snuffed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Snuffing.] [OE. snuffen. See Snuff of a candle Snuff to sniff.]
To crop the snuff of, as a candle; to take off the end of the snuff of.
To snuff out, to extinguish by snuffing.
© Webster 1913.
Snuff (?), v. t.[Akin to D. snuffen, G. schnupfen, schnuppen, to snuff, schnupfen a cold in the head, schnuppen to snuff (air), also, to snuff (a candle). Cf. Sniff, Snout, Snub, v. i.]
1.
To draw in, or to inhale, forcibly through the nose; to sniff.
He snuffs the wind, his heels the sand excite.
Dryden.
2.
To perceive by the nose; to scent; to smell.
© Webster 1913.
Snuff, v. i.
1.
To inhale air through the nose with violence or with noise, as do dogs and horses.
Dryden.
2.
To turn up the nose and inhale air, as an expression of contempt; hence, to take offense.
Do the enemies of the church rage and snuff?
Bp. Hall.
© Webster 1913.
Snuff, n.
1.
The act of snuffing; perception by snuffing; a sniff.
2.
Pulverized tobacco, etc., prepared to be taken into the nose; also, the amount taken at once.
3.
Resentment, displeasure, or contempt, expressed by a snuffing of the nose.
[Obs.]
Snuff dipping. See Dipping, n., 5. -- Snuff taker, one who uses snuff by inhaling it through the nose. -- To take it in snuff, to be angry or offended. Shak. -- Up to snuff, not likely to be imposed upon; knowing; acute. [Slang]<-- also, competent, able to do [the task] -->
© Webster 1913.