Now rare. Also 6 snekesbie, 7 sneaksbie, etc. [Of obscure origin: see -BY 2, and cf. prec. and SNEAKBILL.] A mean-spirited person; a paltry fellow.

1

1580.  Hollyband, Treas. Fr. Tong, Niez, an idiote,… a simple soule, a snekesbie.

2

1611.  Cotgr., Coquefredouille, a meacocke, milkesop, sneaksbie.

3

a. 1677.  Barrow, Serm., Wks. 1716, III. 274. To be termed … a demure Sneaksby … Men can hardly brook.

4

1690.  Dryden, Amphitryon, II. ii. There is no comparison between my master and thee, thou sneaksby.

5

1785.  in Grose, Dict. Vulgar T.

6

a. 1877.  Cowden Clarke, in Rolfe, Shaks. Two Gent., 28. A woman … will cling to a ruffian,… but she will despise and shun a pettifogging sneaksby.

7