subs. (old).—Talk: spec. conversation uninteresting or unintelligible to those present: cf. SHOP.
Verb. (old).—1. To steal. Whence SNAFFLE (or SNAFFLER) = a thief: spec. a highwayman; SNAFFLING-LAY = highway robbery; SNAFFLED = arrested.
1724. J. HARPER, ‘Frisky Moll’s Song’ in THURMOND’S Harlequin Sheppard [FARMER, Musa Pedestris (1896), 41]. From priggs that SNAFFLE the prancers strong.
1751. FIELDING, Amelia, i. 3. I thought by your look you had been a clever fellow, and upon the SNAFFLING LAY at least; but … I find you are some sneaking-budge rascal.
2. (thieves’).—To arrest; TO PULL UP (q.v.).
