English

Proper noun

Snell

1. A surname​.

English

Adjective

snell ‎(comparative sneller, superlative snellest)

(chiefly Scottish)

1. Active, brisk or nimble; lively.

   He is a remarkably snell young lad.

2. Quick, sudden; sharp.

   That horny-handed, snell, peremptory little man. --Dr. J. Brown.

3. Quick-witted; witty.
4. Harsh; severe.

Derived terms

• snelly

Translations

Etymology 2

Origin Unknown.

Noun

snell ‎(plural snells)

1. A short line of horsehair, gut, monofilament, etc., by which a fishhook or lure is attached to a longer (and usually heavier) line.
   • 1979, Cormac McCarthy, Suttree, Random House, p.194:

     He tied on new baited snells and recovered the current with the oars.

Related terms

• snell knot

Translations

Verb

snell ‎(third-person singular simple present snells, present participle snelling, simple past and past participle snelled)

1. To tie a hook to the end of a fishing line with a snell knot.

   Can you show me how to snell a hook?