▪ I. enˈsnarl, v.1
Forms: 6–7 ensnarle, 5 insnarl.
[f. en-1 + snarl n.1]
trans. To catch or entangle in, or as in, a ‘snarl’ or ravelled knot. Also fig.
| c 1440 Promp. Parv. 262/2 Intrykyd or insnarlyd, intricatus. 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 782 Untill they [Spiders] have throughly insnarled him within their clammy and viscous gins. 1655 W. Gurnall Chr. in Arm. ii. 657 The ensnarling our own thoughts, by thinking to fathom the bottomlesse depths of God's 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. 1894 W. R. Thayer Poems New & Old 19 The soul of Halid is ensnarled in a secret and pardonless crime. 1896 P. Brooks New Starts in Life xiv. 239 Shall life be one great deep stream of joy, ever and anon darkening and ensnarling itself in suffering? 1924 Public Opinion 1 Aug. 104/2 Exhibiting an amazing capacity to get at the ensnarled kinks of the mind and soul. |
▪ II. † enˈsnarl, v.2 Obs.—0
[f. en-1 + snarl v.]
intr. ‘To gnash the teeth’ (Cockeram 1623).