Also snipes bill. [SNIPE sb. 1.]
1. A kind of narrow molding-plane with a sharp arris, for forming or cutting quirks. Also attrib.
1678. Moxon, Mech. Exerc., iv. 70. Plains in use among Joyners, called Molding-plains; as, the Round, the Snipes-Bill.
1728. Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Plane, Moulding-Planes, as the Round Plane, the Hollow, the OG, the Snipes Bill, &c.
1842. Gwilt, Archit., Gloss., Snipes Bill Plane, one with a sharp arris for getting out the quirks of mouldings.
1873. Iron, 1 Feb., 78/2. Planes . Snipe bills, per pair, 5/.
2. Conch., The snipe-shell or snipes head.
1713. Petiver, Aquat. Anim. Amboinæ, iv. Haustellum, Snipes-bill.
† 3. Naut. (See quot.) Obs.
1750. Blanckley, Naval Expos., 154. Snipe Bills are a Sort of Hooks used for fastening the Axle-trees of the Chain Pumps to the Bitts.
4. U.S. (See quots. Also written snibel.)
1860. Worcester, Snipe-bill. The bolt which connects the body of a cart with the axle. [Local, U. S.]
1902. Websters Suppl., Snipe-bill, a hinge beneath the body of a dumping cart, consisting of two interlinked eyebolts.
5. attrib. Resembling the bill of the snipe.
1795. J. Wolcot (P. Pindar), Pindariana, Wks. 1812, IV. 186. Her nose of snipe-bill race Which took a deal of stuff.