Obs. Forms: 6–7 ensnarle, 7 insnarl. [f. EN-1 + SNARL sb.1] trans. catch or entangle in, or as in, a ‘snarl’ or ravelled knot. Also fig.
1593. Nashe, Christ’s T. (1613), 148. As an Angler ensnarleth his hooke amongst weedes.
1596. Spenser, F. Q., V. ix. 9. They would closely him ensnarle, Ere to his den he backward could recoyle.
1608. Topsell, Serpents, 265. Vntill they [Spiders] haue throughly ensnarled him within their clammy and viscous gins.
1655. Gurnall, Chr. in Arm., II. (1669), 237/1. The ensnarling our own thoughts; by thinking to fathom the bottomlesse depths of Gods justice, with the short cordage of our reason.
1675. J. Smith, Chr. Relig. Appeal, I. 66. The Roman Empire is ensnarl’d in some or other War.
