ˈsneaksby 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.
| 1580 Hollyband Treas. Fr. Tong, Niez, an idiote,..a simple soule, a snekesbie. 1611 Cotgr., Coquefredouille, a meacocke, milkesop, sneaksbie. a 1677 Barrow Serm. Wks. 1716 III. 274 To be termed..a demure Sneaksby..Men can hardly brook. 1690 Dryden Amphitryon ii. ii. There is no comparison between my master and thee, thou sneaksby. 1785 in Grose Dict. Vulgar T. 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. |