snap-

snap-
  The stem of snap v. in combination.
  1. a. With ns. (also forming derivatives), as snap action used attrib., as snap action gun (see quot. 1884); also to designate switches and relays that make and break contact rapidly, independently of the speed of the actuating mechanism; so snap-actioned ppl. a.; snap-apple (see quot. 1823); † snap-bag, = snapsack; snap-bean U.S. (see snap n. 18); snap-beetle, a click-beetle (cf. click n.¹ 4); snap-block Naut. (see quot. 1884); snap-brim, used attrib. to designate a type of hat for men with a brim which may be arranged in different ways; also absol.; hence snap-brimmed a.; snap-bug, = snap-beetle; snap-cap (see quot. 1876); snap-dog, local, a lurcher; snap-dyke Sc. (see quots.); † snap-fig, = beccafico; snap-flask (see quot. 1875); snap gauge Mech., a form of caliper gauge that can be used to check that a component is neither too large nor too small within stated tolerances; snap-jack, dial. the stitchwort; snap-plough, local (see quots.); † snap-rod (see quot.); snap-sound Path., a snapping sound heard in auscultation; snap-thought attrib., used for noting ideas as they occur; snap-tree, -weed (see quots.); snap-willow, local, the brittle or crack willow, Salix fragilis; snapwood (see quot.).
  Other examples of this type occur in recent use, esp. dial. or U.S. Similar formations are also employed in Dutch and German.

1882 Worc. Exhib. Catal. III. 56 Top lever *snap action gun. 1884 Knight Dict. Mech. Suppl. 826 Snap Action, as distinguished from a lever gun; one which as the hinged barrel closes is fastened by a spring catch. 1951 Chambers's Jrnl. Oct. 639/2 A snap-action switch..cuts out the power supply at short and timed intervals. 1962 Newnes Conc. Encycl. Electr. Engin. 726/1 Many rotary switches are manufactured for d.c. operation with snap-action mechanisms. 1977 R. W. Smeaton Switchgear & Control Handbk. iii. 4 Snap-action contacts reduce the arcing time.

1875 ‘Stonehenge’ Brit. Rural Sports i. i. ii. 26 Patents for slight modifications of this *snap-actioned ‘central fire’.

1823 E. Moor Suffolk Words, *Snap apple, a mirth exciting frolic; in which catching..an apple in your mouth, while twirling on a stick suspended on its centre, with a candle at the other end of it, is the jest of the sport. 1870 Routledge's Ev. Boys' Ann. Oct. 583 Who's for snap-apple?

1688 Holme Armoury iii. xiv. (Roxb.) 17/2 The Port Mantle, of some termed a Bugett, or Snapsack, or *Snapbag.

1770 M. Ambler Jrnl. Sept. in Virginia Mag. Hist. & Biogr. (1937) XLV. 156 A Breast of Veal for Dinner *Snap Beans & gooseberry tart. 1870 Lanier Poems, Nine from Eight 48 Hit gobbled me up like snap⁓beans. 1897 Outing XXX. 383/2 The supper consisted of fried ham and snap-beans.

1698 Petiver in Phil. Trans. XX. 397 A peculiar species I have seen in England, and call *Snap-Beetles, from their elastick or springing Faculty. 1702 ― Gazophyl. i. §10 The Velvet-eyed Virginia Snap⁓Beetle. 1889 G. Nicholson Dict. Gard. IV. 213 The names..Click Beetle and Snap Beetle refer to the sound produced in the leap.

1626 Capt. Smith Accid. Yng. Seamen 15 A *snap blocke is seldom vsed but in heauing of goods and ordnances. 1884 Knight Dict. Mech. Suppl. 826/1 Snap Block, a block with an opening in the side at which the rope may be laid in the sheave without the trouble of reeving it in.

1928 Daily Express 5 July 9/4 The *snap-brim (or turn-down) soft felt hat. 1941 [see breton n. and a.]. 1969 V. C. Clinton-Baddeley Only Matter of Time 45 Davie..put on his soft green hat... Why a ‘snap brim’, by the way? He always wondered. 1972 B. F. Conners Don't embarrass Bureau (1973) i. 3 The man was wearing a nondescript raincoat and a gray snap-brim hat.

1949 B. A. Botkin Treas. S. Folklore ii. iii. 252 Loud checked suit, flaming necktie, diamond stickpin, and rakish *snap-brimmed felt hat. 1976 Maclean's Mag. (Toronto) 15 Nov. 28/1 Al Capone wasn't talking through his snap-brimmed hat.

1834 M{supc}Murtrie Cuvier's Anim. Kingd. 350 Elater noctilucus..; dusky brown, with a cinereous down... North America is extremely rich in this genus. The insect is usually called a *Snap-bug.

1844 Queen's Regul. & Ord. Army 96 note, Muzzle-Stoppers, *Snap-Caps. 1876 Voyle & Stevenson Milit. Dict. 391/1 Snap-cap, a small leather cylinder with a metal top of the size of the hammer of a percussion musket, and fitting closely to the nipple.

1877 N.W. Linc. Gloss. 230 *Snap-dog, a half-bred greyhound. 1891 Pall Mall G. 23 Dec. 6/3 Rabbit Coursing Sweep⁓stakes for so many ‘snap-dogs’.

1793 Statist. Acc. Scotland VI. 104 A kind of stone fence, called *Snap-dykes, peculiar to Carrick and the north parts of Galloway, is admirably fitted for sheep parks; being from 4 to 6 feet in height, strong and firmly locked together at the top. 1812 Sir J. Sinclair Syst. Husb. Scot. i. 42 Among the various sorts of stone wall usual in Scotland, there is one, known under the name of the Galloway or snap dike.

1603 Florio Montaigne iii. xiii. (1894) 565 The dainty bird beccafico or *snapfig deserveth to bee eaten whole at one morsell.

1875 Knight Dict. Mech. 2229/1 *Snap-flask, a two-part flask having its halves joined together by a butt-hinge at one corner and a latch at the diagonally opposite corner. 1884 C. G. W. Lock Workshop Rec. Ser. iii. 252/1 Most malleable castings are..moulded in snap-flasks.

1918 D. T. Hamilton Gages, Gaging & Inspection iii. 67 *Snap gages used in general manufacturing are made in three types; namely, solid, adjustable, and built-up gages. 1964 S. Crawford Basic Engin. Processes iv. 298 When using snap gauges for checking external diameters the component should be gauged in a number of positions along and around its surface.

1867 Rock Jim & Nell xlix. (E.D.S.), Whit-zindays, *snap⁓jacks, goosey-vlops. 1894 Whitby Mary Fenwick's Daughter I. 57 Bird's-eye and snap-jack, ragged robin and hem⁓lock.

1798 J. Middleton View Agric. Middlesex 91 A swing turn-wrest plough.. in which the wrest is moved in half the usual time... This farmer calls them *snap ploughs. 1875 W. D. Parish Dict. Sussex Dial. 108 Snap⁓plough, a plough with two wings, so fixed as to snap or move from one side to the other, though only one projects at a time.

1688 Holme Armoury iii. 103 A Snapper, or *Snap-Rod, is a strong Pole, peculiar for a Pike.

1898 Allbutt's Syst. Med. V. 1021 The *snap sound and the thrill may be observed in some cardiac cycles.

1738 Weddell Voy. Thames 83 Taking every Opportunity to put down Notes in his *Snap-thought Leger.

c 1711 Petiver Gazophyl. x. §91 Luzone Adhatoda or *Snap-tree with a Jasmin Flower. 1731 Miller Gard. Dict. s.v. Adhatoda, The Willow-leav'd Malabar Nut, commonly call'd, The Snap-tree. 1823 Crabb Technol. Dict., Snap-tree, Justicia hyssopifolia.

Ibid., *Snapweed, Impatiens. 1899 Step Romance Wild Fl. 135 The handsome Jewel-weed, or Snap⁓weed (Impatiens fulva).

1880 Jefferies Gt. Estate 87 The ‘*snap-willow’, which is so brittle that every gale breaks off its feeble twigs.

1808 Vancouver View Agric. Hants. (1813) xii. §4. 389 A claim..of taking what is called *snap⁓wood, that is, all the fallen branches, and such as they can snap off by hand.

  b. In the names of things or appliances operating, closing, fastening, fitting, etc., with a snap or by means of a catch, as snap-bolt, snap-catch, snap-gun, snap-harness, etc.; snap-link, (a) (see quot. 1875); (b) = karabiner; snap-ring, (a) see quot. 1903); (b) = karabiner; snap switch, a snap-action switch.

1875 ‘Stonehenge’ Brit. Rural Sports i. i. ii. 33 Mr. W. W. Greener's is also a good *snap-bolt.

1897 Sears, Roebuck Catal. (1968) 228/3 Gloves... Set in thumbs, and patent *snap buttons. 1976 National Observer (U.S.) 23 Oct. 20/2 His pearl snap-button shirt is open, his belt loosened a notch, his head propped up with a bulky, weathered arm.

1880 Encycl. Brit. XI. 285/2 The breech is closed sharply on the hinge and is held by a *snap-catch.

1964 McCall's Sewing 171/2 (heading), Sleeve with *snap closing.

1969 Sears Catal. Spring/Summer 16 Band waist, *snap closure. 1976 National Observer (U.S.) 10 Apr. 16/3 (Advt.), The waist band and two patch pockets are fitted with permanent and attractive metal snap closures. No buttons to fall off.

1895 Montgomery Ward Catal. Spring & Summer 289/3 Men's Genuine Oil Tanned Calfskin Gloves,..one button, patent *snap fastener. 1976 M. Maguire Scratchproof xi. 165 My eyes instinctively traced the zipper, buttons and snap fasteners on her suit.

1898 T. Eaton & Co. Catal. Spring & Summer 124/3 Men's Klondike sleeping bags,..envelope top, *snap fastenings, riveted corners. 1981 Sunday Express Mag. 11 Oct. 17/2 (Advt.), And each of the two key fobs has its own snap fastening.

1644 Sc. Acts, Chas. I (1870) VI. 65 Their foote men haveing *snap gunnes and suordis sall have the pay of foote souldiers. 1881 Greener Gun 206 [Mr. Needham's] first snap gun..was so constructed that upon depressing the lever for opening the gun, the hammers were raised to half-cock.

1888 Daily News 3 Dec. 3/5 The *snap harness which enables the horses to be harnessed in less than ten seconds.

1956 Archit. Rev. CXIX. 213/2 In this case the positive fixing and covering are achieved by a simple *snap-joint incorporated in the edge corrugations. 1968 Gloss. Terms Mechanized & Hand Sheet Metal Work (B.S.I.) 21 Snap joint, the junction between two pieces of sheet or strip, the edges of which are formed so that they can be clipped together to form a rigid joint.

1932 N. & Q. 13 Feb. 123/2 Portable Ink-Bottles: these were in quite common use until recent times... I frequently had in a waistcoat pocket, the small square, or oblong leathered covered box, with a *snap-lid.

1875 Knight Dict. Mech. 2229/2 *Snap-link, an open link with a spring, for the purpose of connecting parts of harness, chains, etc. 1946 D. R. Brower Man. Ski Mountaineering (ed. 2) iii. 28 The army aluminium carabiner (snaplink) has equal strength, weighs much less. 1981 L. Deighton XPD xxxvii. 294 Never mind all these modern contraptions—pitons, snap links and stirrups.

1913 Strand Mag. Nov. 103 (Advt.), Smart, neat, *snap-lock links. Of all Hosiers, Outfitters, etc... Snap-lock Link Co. 1971 B. Malamud Tenants 12 His apartment, stoutly protected by two patent locks plus a strong snap-lock enclosing heavy circular bolts.

1775 G. White Selborne lxiii, *Snap mouse-traps baited with tallow or suet.

1886 Longm. Mag. VII. 652 Years ago an immense number of salmon used to be taken by means of these *snap-nets.

1897 Daily News 23 Mar. 7/1 *Snap⁓purses, writing cases, pearl necklets.

1827 Carlyle Germ. Rom. I. 99 A loud humming symphony of *snap-reel and spinning-wheel.

1903 Sci. Amer. 14 Feb. 110 These last [= packing rings] are called ‘*snap rings’, from the fact that they are sprung into the piston. 1941 T. A. H. Peacocke Mountaineering ii. 25 Each climber carries a loop of line... A ‘karabiner’ (snap-ring) is hung on the loop. 1941 Engineers' Digest II. 321/1 Snap rings provide an economical and effective means of facilitating machine assemblies in applications where the loading is not excessive. 1957 Listener 28 Nov. 882/2 The less fortunate..of us have to..join the modern school of artificial rock climbers..with their pitons, snap rings, miniature ladders, [etc.]. 1970 K. Ball Fiat 600, 600D Aubobook i. 12/2 With a special tool..depress the valve springs, remove the split cotters and snap rings.

1974 Islander (Victoria, B.C.) 21 July 11/1 Another day..a *snap shackle on the mizzen staysail broke.

1926 Gloss. Terms Electr. Engin. (Brit. Engin. Stand. Assoc.) 159 *Snap switch. 1977 R. W. Smeaton Switchgear & Control Handbk. iii. 6 (heading) Resistance of control-circuit duty contacts and snap switches.

1875 Zoologist X. 4662 Rats caught in *snap-traps.

1875 ‘Stonehenge’ Brit. Rural Sports i. i. ii. 36 The hook in which the *snap-wedge enters to keep the gun closed.

  c. In combs. relating to or connected with the use of a snap-hook in fishing, as snap-angling [cf. G. schnappangel], snap-fishing; snap-bait, snap-tackle.

1792 Osbaldistone Sportsman 606 Snap-angling is with two large hooks tied back to back, and one smaller to fix your bait on. 1794 Sporting Mag. III. 247 The directions for snap-fishing. 1839 T. C. Hofland Brit. Angler's Man. v. 124, I generally resort to my snap-tackle. 1856 ‘Stonehenge’ Brit. Rural Sports i. v. iii. 254 Snap-fishing must be practised with the top joints of the rod reduced in length and of greater stiffness. Ibid. 257 The Snap-Bait is employed only when the fish are wary and inclined to eject the ordinary kind.

  d. Formed, taken, performed, etc., hastily or rapidly, as snap exposure, snap-firing, snap judgement, etc. Also, snap freezing, freezing done by reducing the temperature suddenly to well below freezing point; hence snap-freeze v. trans.
  In this and the next group passing into adj.

1841 Congress. Globe X. App. 42/3 This extra session of Congress, called in time of peace to take snap judgments on the American people. 1861 N. York Tribune in Times 19 Nov., A traveller's snap-judgement formed on the most superficial observation. 1867 J. Lillywhite's Cricketers' Companion 13 Get some one to give you difficult catches... You will soon be good at snap⁓catching. 1876 Black Madcap Violet xxviii, After..a great deal of snap-firing, the skart was at last stretched on the water. 1888 A. G. Steel in Steel & Lyttelton Cricket iii. 179 The object of short-slip is to pick up snicks which just miss the wicket-keeper, and although he may hold a larger proportion of these quick snap catches when a long way from the wicket, he will get an infinitely greater number when closer in. 1889 Anthony's Photogr. Bulletin II. 255 For snap exposures a different course is necessary. 1894 Amer. Ann. Photogr. 137 The real necessities for snap photography. 1896 Congress. Rec. 27 Feb. 2214/2 When the snap tally was taken, he..went to the clerk. 1898 A. P. Atterbury tr. Sombart's Socialism & Social Movement in 19th Cent. vi. 137 A snap resolution of a working-men's congress. 1932 ‘N. Shute’ Lonely Road xi. 229 This isn't any snap decision on my part. I've been thinking of it for some time. 1933 Mod. Lang. Notes XLVIII. 393 In most cases they reflect, not conclusions drawn from research, but snap judgments based on chance observation and personal likes and dislikes. 1940 Sun (Baltimore) 23 Sept. 12/2 (caption) Charley Gehringer takes a snap throw from Shortstop Dick Bartell. 1954 X. Fielding Hide & Seek v. 67 Unless we were unlucky enough to be held up by a snap Gestapo..check. 1955 New Biol. XVIII. 93 Slow cooling is supposed to cause more damage than rapid cooling since it results in the formation of larger ice crystals, and the use of ‘snap’ or ultra-rapid freezing has been advocated on the grounds that ice crystal formation may be avoided altogether, the system cooling in an amorphous state. 1959 ‘A. Gilbert’ Death takes Wife v. 54, I had to keep this snap appointment. 1959 Punch 27 May 704/3 You have to be constantly on the qui vive if you are not going to risk being behindhand with the timing of the first drop [of hail], or even missing a snap shower altogether. 1960 Snap-test [see breathalyser]. 1960 V. Jenkins Lions down Under xi. 161 There was no doubt about his speed and capacity for ‘snap-thinking’. 1965 Listener 21 Oct. 637/2 The snap opinions in this programme which I have always respected are those of Patrick Campbell. 1973 Times 8 Jan. 3/3 The investigation..will involve snap checks at garages. 1974 Hawkey & Bingham Wild Card ix. 95 If he builds a cryogenic tank into the spacecraft, it'll rupture on explosion, spray the tissue with liquid oxygen, snap-freeze it, and provide perfect histological specimens for the investigators. 1974 B. A. Newton Trypanosomiasis & Leishmaniasis 277 Annear (1956) described a technique for ‘snap freezing’ Crithidia oncopelti on a ‘peptone plug’. 1974 ‘M. Innes’ Appleby's other Story viii. 62 One must make no snap judgement. 1974 Socialist Worker 26 Oct. 15/1, 2800 teachers in 90 schools staging snap strikes in support of a {pstlg}15-a-week interim increase. 1976 Alyn & Deeside Observer 10 Dec. 16/3 The information arrives at a time which can allow only for a ‘snap decision’. 1977 Times of Zambia 7 Sept. 2/2 A snap survey of clinics found that medical assistants in the health institutions had not been able to administer prescribed drugs for some time now.

  e. In Parliamentary usage, as snap bill, snap dissolution, snap division, snap election, snap vote, one obtained or taken unexpectedly or when comparatively few members are present.

1879 M{supc}Carthy Own Times xx. II. 96 It was evident that this was only what is called a ‘snap’ vote. 1883 E. W. Hamilton Diary 19 July (1972) II. 461 The Agricultural Holdings Bill..is on the whole being well received, though the Government were on Tuesday defeated by a snap division on a landlords' amendment. 1884 Nonconformist 7 Feb. 129/2 The majority was the result of a ‘snap division’. 1892 Rev. Reviews V. 3/2 Administrations have tried by a snap dissolution..to capture a fresh majority. 1940 Sun (Baltimore) 28 Mar. 12/3 The outcome of the voting in Canada is no surprise. It was a ‘snap’ election engineered with the greatest skill by Prime Minister W. L. Mackenzie King and the results have fully justified his astute political strategy. 1973 Times 8 Dec. 3/8 The strong majority..who do not think the Government should hold a snap general election on this issue are mainly Conservative voters. 1975 J. P. Morgan House of Lords & Labour Govt. viii. 217 The reformers themselves therefore argued that the announcement should be made immediately, and the Lords' reform, including any mention of a snap Bill, indefinitely deferred.

  2. Forming combinations, esp. with prepositions, used attrib. to designate things or appliances operating with a snap (cf. sense 1 b); as snap-in, snap-off, snap-on, etc.

1905–6 T. Eaton & Co. Catal. Fall & Winter 158/4 Snap-on Hose Supporters, snaps on to edge of corset. 1939–40 Army & Navy Stores Catal. 590 Sports seats... Pigskin covered handle, ‘snap-on’ ground disc. 1963 Punch 17 Apr. 560/3 This is a hygienic, snap-top canisterette. 1967 Electronics 6 Mar. 81/1 (Advt.), Printed Circuit Pins (A) may be attached at rates up to 4,000 an hour; snap-in design holds leads in position for easy solder dipping. 1972 N.Y. Times 3 Nov. 3/4 (Advt.), 4 snap-close shirts. 1977 National Observer (U.S.) 15 Jan. 21/4 Old wine is also served up in snaptop cans in an entertainment called The Club, now at the downtown Circle in the Square. 1978 Detroit Free Press 16 Apr. (Parade Suppl.) 14/2 (Advt.), Our very special features, such as a new one-piece, snap-in drapery rod. Works like a traverse. No tabs to tear! 1979 Nature 29 Mar. p. xxix/2 A unique one-handed operation, using inexpensive snap-on snap-off plastic, disposable tips.

Oxford English Dictionary