† 'Snails, int. Obs.
Also 7 snailes, snayles, 'snayles.
An abbreviation of God's nails (see god n. 14 a), used as a petty oath or exclamation.
| 1599 Hayward Hen. IV, i. 19 Sir Hugh swore, swownes, and snayles, let vs set vpon them. 1605 London Prodigal v. i. 222 Snailes, is there such cowardice in that? 1617 Middleton & Rowley Fair Quarrel v. i, Snailes shees the Phisicians Bronstrops, Trim. [1821 Scott Kenilw. xxiv, Nay, 'snails! I think his horse will take the matter in his own hand. 1828 ― F.M. Perth xii, 'Snails!..were any neighbour to meet me.., what could they think?] |