Obs. [Corresponds to Du., Flem., (M)LG., MHG. snarren (G. schnarren, Sw. snarra, Da. snærre, † snarre) to rattle, whirr, snarl, etc., prob. of imitative origin.] intr. Of dogs, etc.: To snarl or growl.
1530. Palsgr., 723/2. Take hede of your dogge, alwayes as I come by he snarreth at me.
1553. T. Wilson, Rhet., 91 b. As uncomely as a dogge dothe when he snarreth.
1596. Spenser, F. Q., VI. xii. 27. Tygres, that did seeme to gren, And snar at all, that euer passed by.
b. transf. or fig. Of persons.
1553. T. Wilson, Rhet., 91. I maruaile sir what you meane to be euer snarringe at me.
1576. Fleming, trans. Caius’ Dogs, To Rdr. (1880), B 5 b. Such as shall snarr and snatch at the Englishe abrydgement.
1581. Rich, Farew. (1846), 126. I have written it … not to sette you a snarryng or grudgyng against me.
Hence † Snarring vbl. sb. and ppl. a. Obs.
1565. Cooper, Litera aspera, snarryng.
1576. Fleming, trans. Caius’ Dogs (1880), 30. This Dogge,… by furious iarring, snarring, and such like meanes, betrayeth the malefactour.
