Standard Lemma guide

snavel

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To steal, to pickpocket.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • 1902, Barbara Baynton, Bush Studies, 2009, Sydney University Press, page 59, Then he missed his silk handkerchief. “Ghost!” he said, breathing heavily. “Mag′s snavelled it! [...] ”

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To snatch.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Australia, New-Zealand

Examples

  • Paul tried to snavel Dan′s chair from under him.
  • 1915, New Zealand House of Representatives, Parliamentary Debates, page 472, This was in his constituency, and he believed the idea was to go straight through the reserve eventually — that if they snavelled this piece now they would snavel more of this playground a little later on, and completely spoil the reserve.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Probably related to snaffle, which may be from Dutch snavel.