SMEW, sm[=u], _n._ a bird of the family _Anatidæ_, in the same genus as the
goosander and mergansers.
SMICKER, smik'[.e]r, _v.i._ (_obs._) to look amorously.--_n._ SMICK'ERING,
an inclination for a woman.--_adv._ SMICK'LY, amorously.
SMICKET, smik'et, _n._ a smock.
SMIDDY, smid'i, _n._ a smithy.
SMIDGEN, smij'en, _n._ (_U.S._) a small quantity, a trifle.
SMIFT, smift, _n._ a piece of touchwood, &c., formerly used to ignite the
train in blasting.--Also SNUFF.
SMIGHT, sm[=i]t, _v.t._ (_Spens._) to smite.
SMILAX, sm[=i]'laks, _n._ a genus of liliaceous plants, type of the tribe
_Smilaceæ_--the roots of several species yield sarsaparilla.
SMILE, sm[=i]l, _v.i._ to express pleasure by the countenance: to express
slight contempt: to look joyous: to be favourable.--_n._ act of smiling:
the expression of the features in smiling: favour: (_slang_) a drink, a
treat.--_ns._ SM[=I]'LER, one who smiles; SM[=I]'LET (_Shak._), a little
smile.--_adj._ SM[=I]'LING, wearing a smile, joyous.--_adv._ SM[=I]'LINGLY,
in a smiling manner: with a smile or look of pleasure.--_n._
SM[=I]'LINGNESS, the state of being smiling. [Scand., Sw. _smila_, to
smile.]
SMIRCH, smirch, _v.t._ to besmear, dirty: to degrade in fame, dignity,
&c.--_n._ a stain. [A weakened form of _smer-k_, from M. E. _smeren_, to
smear.]
SMIRK, sm[.e]rk, _v.i._ to smile affectedly: to look affectedly soft.--_n._
an affected smile.--_adjs._ SMIRK (_obs._), SMIRK'Y, smart. [A.S.
_smercian_; akin to smile.]
SMIT, smit, obsolete _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ of _smite_.
SMIT, smit, _v.t._ (_prov._) to infect.--_n._ a stain: infection.--_v.t._
SMIT'TLE, to infect.--_adj._ infectious.--_n._ infection. [A.S. _smittian_,
to spot, _smitta_, a spot, an intens. of _smítan_, to smite.]
SMITCH, smich, _n._ a particle: dust.--_n._ (_dim._) SMITCH'EL.
SMITE, sm[=i]t, _v.t._ to strike with the fist, hand, or weapon: to beat:
to kill: to overthrow in battle: to affect with feeling: (_B._) to blast:
to afflict.--_v.i._ to strike:--_pa.t._ sm[=o]te; _pa.p._ smitt'en.--_n._
SM[=I]'TER.--SMITE OFF, to cut off; SMITE OUT, to knock out; SMITE WITH THE
TONGUE (_B._), to reproach, to revile. [A.S. _smítan_; Dut. _smijten_, Ger.
_schmeissen_.]
SMITH, smith, _n._ one who forges with the hammer: a worker in metals: one
who makes anything.--_ns._ SMITH'ERY, the workshop of a smith: work done by
a smith--also SMITH'ING; SMITH'Y, the workshop of a smith; SMITH'Y-COAL, a
kind of small coal much used by smiths. [A.S. _smith_; Ger. _schmied_.]
SMITHEREENS, smith-[.e]r-[=e]nz', _n.pl._ (_coll._) small fragments.
SMITHSONIAN, smith-s[=o]'ni-an, _adj._ pertaining to James Macie _Smithson_
(1765--1829), founder of a great institution at Washington for ethnological
and scientific investigations, organised by Congress in 1846.
SMITTEN, smit'n, _pa.p._ of _smite_.
SMOCK, smok, _n._ a woman's shift: a smock-frock.--_v.t._ to clothe in a
smock or smock-frock.--_adj._ SMOCK'-FACED, pale-faced.--_ns._
SMOCK'-FROCK, an outer garment of coarse white linen worn over the other
clothes in the south of England; SMOCK'-RACE, a race for the prize of a
smock. [A.S. _smoc_, perh. from A.S. _smeógan_, to creep into.]
SMOKE, sm[=o]k, _n._ the vapour from a burning body--a common term for the
volatile products of the imperfect combustion of such organic substances as
wood or coal.--_v.i._ to emit smoke: to smoke out instead of upward, owing
to imperfect draught: to draw in and puff out the smoke of tobacco: to
raise smoke by moving rapidly: to burn, to rage: to suffer, as from
punishment.--_v.t._ to apply smoke to: to dry, scent, or medicate by smoke:
to inhale the smoke of: to use in smoking: to try to expel by smoking: to
scent out, discover: to quiz, ridicule: to thrash.--_ns._ SMOKE'-BLACK,
lampblack; SMOKE'-BOARD, a board suspended before the upper part of a
fireplace to prevent the smoke coming out into the room; SMOKE'-BOX, part
of a steam-boiler where the smoke is collected before passing out at the
chimney; SMOKE'-CONS[=U]'MER, an apparatus for burning all the smoke from a
fire.--_adj._ SMOKE'-DRIED.--_v.t._ SMOKE'-DRY, to cure or dry by means of
smoke.--_ns._ SMOKE'-HOUSE, a building where meat or fish is cured by
smoking, or where smoked meats are stored; SMOKE'-JACK, a contrivance for
turning a jack by means of a wheel turned by the current of air ascending a
chimney.--_adj._ SMOKE'LESS, destitute of smoke.--_adv._
SMOKEL'ESSLY.--_ns._ SMOKE'LESSNESS; SM[=O]'KER, one who smokes tobacco: a
smoking-carriage: one who smoke-dries meat: an evening entertainment at
which smoking is permitted; SMOKE'-SAIL, a small sail hoisted between the
galley-funnel and the foremast when a vessel rides head to the wind;
SMOKE'-SHADE, a scale of tints ranging from 0 to 10, for comparison of
different varieties of coal, according to the amount of unburnt carbon in
their smoke; SMOKE'-STACK, an upright pipe through which the
combustion-gases from a steam-boiler pass into the open air.--_adj._
SMOKE'-TIGHT, impervious to smoke.--_ns._ SMOKE'-TREE, an ornamental shrub
of the cashew family, with long light feathery or cloud-like fruit-stalks;
SMOKE'-WASH'ER, an apparatus for removing soot and particles of unburnt
carbon from smoke by making it pass through water; SMOKE'-WOOD, the
virgin's bower (_Clematis Vitalba_), whose porous stems are smoked by
boys.--_adv._ SM[=O]'KILY.--_ns._ SM[=O]'KINESS; SM[=O]'KING, the act of
emitting smoke: the act or habit of drawing into the mouth and emitting the
fumes of tobacco by means of a pipe or cigar--a habit of great sedative
value: a bantering; SM[=O]'KING-CAP, -JACK'ET, a light ornamental cap or
jacket often worn by smokers; SM[=O]'KING-CARR'IAGE, -ROOM, a
railway-carriage, -room, supposed to be set apart for smokers.--_adj._
SM[=O]'KY, giving out smoke: like smoke: filled, or subject to be filled,
with smoke: tarnished or noisome with smoke: (_obs._) suspicious.--ON A
SMOKE (_B._), smoking, or on fire. [A.S. _smocian_, _smoca_; Ger.
_schmauch_.]
SMOLDER=_Smoulder_ (q.v.).
SMOLT, sm[=o]lt, _n._ a name given to young river salmon when they are
bluish along the upper half of the body and silvery along the sides.
[_Smelt_.]
SMOOTH, sm[=oo]th, _adj._ having an even surface: not tough: evenly spread:
glossy: gently flowing: easy: regular: unobstructed: bland: mild,
calm.--_v.t._ to make smooth: to palliate: to soften: to calm: to ease:
(_Shak._) to exonerate.--_v.i._ to repeat flattering words.--_n._ (_B._)
the smooth part.--_adj._ SMOOTH'-BORE, not rifled.--_n._ a gun with
smooth-bored barrel.--_adjs._ SMOOTH'-BROWED, with unwrinkled brow;
SMOOTH'-CHINNED, having a smooth chin: beardless; SMOOTH'-DIT'TIED, sweetly
sung, with a flowing melody.--v.t SMOOTH'EN, to make smooth.--_n._
SMOOTH'ER, one who, or that which, smooths: in glass-cutting, an
abrading-wheel for polishing the aces of the grooves cut by another wheel:
(_obs._) a flatterer.--_adj._ SMOOTH'-FACED, having a smooth air,
mild-looking.--_ns._ SMOOTH'ING-[=I]'RON, an instrument of iron for
smoothing clothes; SMOOTH'ING-PLANE, a small fine plane used for
finishing.--_adv._ SMOOTH'LY.--_n._ SMOOTH'NESS.--_adjs._ SMOOTH'-PACED,
having a regular easy pace; SMOOTH'-SHOD, having shoes without spikes;
SMOOTH'-SP[=O]'KEN, speaking pleasantly: plausible: flattering;
SMOOTH'-TONGUED, having a smooth tongue: flattering. [A.S. _smóthe_,
usually _sméthe_; Ger. _ge-schmeidig_, soft.]
SMORE, sm[=o]r, a Scotch form of _smother_.
SMOTE, sm[=o]t, _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ of _smite_.
SMOTHER, smuth'[.e]r, _v.t._ to suffocate by excluding the air: to
conceal.--_v.i._ to be suffocated or suppressed: to smoulder.--_n._ smoke:
thick floating dust: state of being smothered: confusion.--_ns._
SMOTHER[=A]'TION, suffocation: a sailor's dish of meat buried in potatoes;
SMOTH'ERINESS.--_adv._ SMOTH'ERINGLY.--_adj._ SMOTH'ERY, tending to
smother: stifling. [M. E. _smorther_--A.S. _smorian_, to smother; cf. Ger.
_schmoren_, to stew.]
SMOUCH, smowch, _n._ a smack, a hearty kiss.--_v.t._ to kiss, to buss.
SMOUCH, smowch, _v.t._ to take advantage of, to chouse.
SMOUCHED, smowcht, _adj._ blotted, dirtied, smutched.
SMOULDER, sm[=o]l'd[.e]r, _v.i._ to burn slowly or without vent.--_adjs._
SMOUL'DRING, SMOUL'DRY. [M. E. _smolderen_--_smolder_=_smor-ther_, stifling
smoke; cf. _Smother_.]
SMOUSE, SMOUS, smows, _n._ a peddler, a German Jew.
SMOUT, smowt, _n._ (_slang_) a printer who gets chance jobs in various
offices.--_v.i._ to do occasional work.
SMUDGE, smuj, _n._ a spot, a stain: a choking smoke--_v.t._ to stifle: to
fumigate with smoke.--_n._ SMUD'GER, one who smudges: a plumber.--_adj._
SMUD'GY, stained with smoke. [Scand., Sw. _smuts_, dirt, Dan. _smuds_,
smut; Ger. _schmutz_.]
SMUG, smug, _adj._ neat, prim, spruce: affectedly smart: well satisfied
with one's self.--_n._ a self-satisfied person.--_adj._ SMUG'-FACED, prim
or precise-looking.--_adv._ SMUG'LY.--_n._ SMUG'NESS. [Dan. _smuk_,
handsome; cf. Ger. _schmuck_, fine.]
SMUG, smug, _v.t._ to seize without ceremony, to confiscate: (_slang_) to
hush up.
SMUGGLE, smug'l, _v.t._ to import or export without paying the legal duty:
to convey secretly.--_ns._ SMUGG'LER, one who smuggles: a vessel used in
smuggling; SMUGG'LING, defrauding the government of revenue by the evasion
of custom-duties or excise-taxes. [Low Ger. _smuggeln_, cog. with Ger.
_schmuggeln_; Dut. _smuigen_, to eat secretly.]
SMUGGLE, smug'l, _v.t._ to fondle, cuddle.
SMUR, smur, _n._ (_Scot._) fine misty rain.--_v.i._ to drizzle.--_adj._
SMUR'RY.
SMUT, smut, _n._ a spot of dirt, soot, &c.: foul matter, as soot: _Bunt_,
sometimes also _Dust-brand_, the popular name of certain small fungi which
infest flowering land-plants, esp. the grasses, the name derived from the
appearance of the spores, which are nearly black and very numerous: obscene
language.--_v.t._ to soil with smut: to blacken or tarnish.--_v.i._ to
gather smut: to be turned into smut:--_pr.p._ smut'ting; _pa.t._ and
_pa.p._ smut'ted.--_n._ SMUT'-BALL, a fungus of genus _Tilletia_: a
puff-ball.--_adj._ SMUT'TIED, made smutty.--_adv._ SMUT'TILY.--_n._
SMUT'TINESS.--_adj._ SMUT'TY, stained with smut: affected with smut or
mildew: obscene, filthy. [Scand., Sw. _smuts_; Ger. _schmutz_, prob. from
root of _smite_.]
SMUTCH, smuch, _v.t._ to blacken, as with soot.--_n._ a dirty mark. [A form
of _smut_.]
SMYRNIOT, -E, sm[.e]r'niot, -[=o]t, _n._ a native or inhabitant, of
_Smyrna_.--_adj._ of or pertaining to Smyrna.
SMYTERIE, SMYTRIE, smit'ri, _n._ (_Scot._) a large number of individuals of
small size.
SNABBLE, snab'l, _v.t._ (_prov._) to plunder: to kill.--_v.i._ to gobble
up.
SNABBY, snab'i, _n._ (_Scot._) the chaffinch.
SNACK, snak, _n._ a share: a slight, hasty meal.--_v.t._ to snatch, to
bite: to share. [A form of _snatch_.]
SNAFFLE, snaf'l, _n._ a bridle which crosses the nose and has a slender
mouth-bit without branches.--_v.t._ to bridle: to clutch by the
bridle.--_ns._ SNAFF'LE-BIT, a kind of slender bit; SNAFF'LING-LAY, the
trade of highwayman. [Dut. _snavel_, the muzzle; cf. _Snap_.]
SNAG, snag, _n._ a sharp protuberance: a short branch: a projecting tooth
or stump: a tree lying in the water so as to impede navigation--hence any
stumbling-block or obstacle.--_v.t._ to catch on a snag: to entangle: to
fill with snags, or to clear from such.--_n._ SNAG'BOAT, a steamboat with
appliances for removing snags.--_adjs._ SNAG'GED, SNAG'GY, full of snags.
[Akin to Gael. and Ir. _snaigh_, to cut.]
SNAG, snag, _v.t._ to lop superfluous branches from a tree.--_n._ SNAG'GER,
the tool for this.
SNAIL, sn[=a]l, _n._ a term for the species of terrestrial _Gasteropoda_
which have well-formed spiral shells--the more typical snails belonging to
the genus _Helix_, of the family _Helicidæ_, having the shell of many
whorls, globose, depressed, or conical.--_ns._ SNAIL'-CLOV'ER,
-TR[=E]'FOIL, a species of medic; SNAIL'-FISH, a fish of genus _Liparis_,
sticking to rocks; SNAIL'-FLOW'ER, a twining bean.--_adjs._ SNAIL'-LIKE
(_Shak._), in the manner of a snail, slowly; SNAIL'-PACED (_Shak._), as
slow-moving as a snail; SNAIL'-SLOW, as slow as a snail.--_n._
SNAIL'-WHEEL, in some striking time-pieces, a rotating piece with a spiral
periphery having notches so arranged as to determine the number of strokes
made on the bell.--SNAIL'S PACE, a very slow pace. [A.S. _snegl_, _snægl_;
Ger. _schnecke_.]
SNAKE, sn[=a]k, _n._ a serpent--SNAKES (_Ophidia_) form one of the classes
of reptiles, in shape limbless and much elongated, embracing tree-snakes,
the water-snakes, and the very venomous sea-snakes (_Hydrophidæ_), the
burrowing-snakes (_Typhlopidæ_) and the majority, which may be called
ground-snakes.--_ns._ SNAKE'-BIRD, a darter: the wryneck; SNAKE'-EEL, a
long Mediterranean eel, its tail without a tail-fin.--_adj._ SNAKE'-LIKE
(_Tenn._), like a snake.--_ns._ SNAKE'-ROOT, the popular name of various
plants of different genera, whose roots are considered good for
snake-bites; SNAKE'S'-HEAD, the guinea-hen flower; SNAKE'-STONE, a small
rounded piece of stone or other hard substance, popularly believed to be
efficacious in curing snake-bites; SNAKE'-WEED, the bistort; SNAKE'WOOD
(same as LETTER-WOOD).--_adjs._ SNAK'ISH, having the qualities of a snake:
cunning, deceitful; SNAK'Y (_Spens._), belonging to, or resembling, a
serpent: (_Milt._) cunning, deceitful: covered with, or having, serpents.
[A.S. _snaca_, prob. from _snícan_, to creep; Ice. _snák-r_.]
SNAP, snap, _v.t._ to break short or at once: to bite, or catch at
suddenly: to crack: to interrupt sharply (often with _up_): to shut with a
sharp sound: to take an instantaneous photograph of, esp. with a hand
camera.--_v.i._ to break short: to try to bite: to utter sharp words (with
at): to flash:--_pr.p._ snap'ping; _pa.t._ and _pa.p._ snapped.--_n._ act
of snapping, or the noise made by it: a small catch or lock: a hasty
repast, a snack: a crack, the spring-catch of a bracelet, &c., an earring:
a crisp kind of gingerbread nut or cake: crispness, pithiness, epigrammatic
point or force: vigour, energy: (_slang_) a brief theatrical engagement, an
easy and profitable place or task: a sharper, a cheat: a riveter's tool,
also a glass-moulder's tool: the act of taking a snapshot.--_adj._ sudden,
unpremeditated, without preparation.--_ns._ SNAP'DRAGON, a plant, so called
because the lower lip of the corolla when parted shuts with a snap like a
dragon's jaw: a Christmas pastime in which raisins are snatched out of a
dish in which brandy is burning, in a room otherwise dark--also the raisins
so taken; SNAP'PER; SNAP'PER-UP (_Shak._), one who snaps up;
SNAP'PING-TUR'TLE, a large fresh-water tortoise of the United States--from
its habit of snapping at things.--_adjs._ SNAP'PISH, SNAP'PY, inclined to
snap: eager to bite: sharp in reply.--_adv._ SNAP'PISHLY, in a snappish
manner: peevishly: tartly.--_ns._ SNAP'PISHNESS; SNAP'SHOT, an
instantaneous photograph. [Dut. _snappen_, to snap; Ger. _schnappen_.]
SNAPHANCE, snaf'ans, _n._ a term originally applied to the spring-lock of a
gun or pistol, but afterwards applied to the gun itself, a Dutch firelock
of the 17th century: a snappish retort.--Also SNAPH'AUNCE. [Dut.
_snaphaan_--_snappen_, to snap, _haan_, a cock.]
SNAR, snär, _v.i._ (_Spens._) to snarl.
SNARE, sn[=a]r, _n._ a running noose of string or wire, &c., for catching
an animal: a trap: that by which any one is entrapped: a cord, esp. that
stretched across the lower head of a drum: a surgical instrument for
removing tumours, &c., by an ever-tightening loop.--_v.t._ same as
_Ensnare_ (q.v.).--_v.i._ to use snares.--_n._ SN[=A]R'ER.--_adj._
SN[=A]R'Y. [A.S. _snear_; Dut. _snaar_.]
SNARL, snärl, _v.i._ to growl, as a surly dog: to speak in a surly
manner.--_v.t._ to utter snarlingly.--_n._ a growl, a jealous quarrelsome
utterance.--_n._ SNAR'LER.--_adjs._ SNAR'LING, growling, snappish; SNAR'LY.
[Prob. imit.; Low Ger. _snarren_, Ger. _schnarren_; conn. with Eng.
_snore_.]
SNARL, snärl, _v.t._ to twist, entangle, confuse.--_v.i._ to become
entangled.--_n._ a knot or any kind of complication: a squabble.--_adj._
SNARLED, twisted.--_ns._ SNAR'LING-[=I]'RON, -TOOL, a curved tool for
snarling or fluting hollow metal-ware, &c.
SNASH, shash, _n._ (_Scot._) insolence, abusive language.--_v.i._ to talk
impudently.
[Illustration]
SNATCH, snach, _v.t._ to seize quickly: to take without permission: to
seize and carry away.--_v.i._ to try to seize hastily.--_n._ a hasty
catching or seizing: a short time of exertion: a small piece or fragment: a
catching of the voice: a hasty snack of food: a quibble.--_ns._
SNATCH'-BLOCK, a kind of pulley-block, having an opening in the side to
receive the bight of a rope; SNATCH'ER, one who snatches.--_adv._
SNATCH'INGLY.--_adj._ SNATCH'Y, irregular. [M. E. _snacchen_; cog. with
Dut. _snakken_, Prov. Eng. _sneck_, a bolt; also conn. with _snap_.]
SNATHE, sn[=a]th, _n._ the curved handle of a scythe. [A variant of
_snead_.]
SNEAD, sn[=e]d, _n._ the handle of a scythe, a snathe. [A.S.
_sn['æ]d_--_sníthan_, to cut.]
SNEAK, sn[=e]k, _v.i._ to creep or steal away privately or meanly: to
behave meanly.--_v.t._ (_slang_) to steal.--_n._ a mean, servile fellow: a
mean thief.--_ns._ SNEAK'-CUP (_Shak._), one who balks his glass: a
cowardly, insidious scoundrel; SNEAK'ER.--_adj._ SNEAK'ING, mean,
crouching: secret, underhand, not openly avowed.--_adv._
SNEAK'INGLY.--_ns._ SNEAK'INGNESS, SNEAK'INESS, the quality of being
sneaking: meanness; SNEAKS'BY (_obs._), a sneak.--_adj._ SNEAK'Y, somewhat
sneaking. [A.S. _snícan_, to creep; Dan. _snige_. Cf. _Snake_.]
SNEAP, sn[=e]p, _v.t._ to check, to rebuke: to nip.--_n._ a check, a
reprimand, taunt, sarcasm.--Also SNAPE.
SNEB, a form of _snib_, _snub_.
SNECK, snek, _n._ (_Scot._) the catch of a door or a lid.--_v.t._ to latch
or shut a door.--_n._ SNECK'-DRAW'ER, one who lifts the latch for thievish
ends, a mean thief.--_adjs._ SNECK'-DRAW'ING, SNECK'-DRAWN, crafty,
cunning.--_interj._ SNECK-UP' (_Shak._), go hang! [Prob. _snack_, to
catch.]