[Cf. SNARL v.3] A method of producing raised work in metal by means of indirect percussion. Chiefly attrib. in snarling-iron, -tool.
1688. R. Holme, Armoury, III. 259/2. Terms of Art used by the Gold-smiths…. Snarling is to set or punch it [the metal] out as the shape is drawn. Ibid., xxi. (Roxb.), 267/2. He beareth … three snarling Irons Argent…. These snarling Irons haue sharp ends.
1843. Holtzapffel, Turning, I. 412. When the snarling-iron is struck with a hammer … the re-action gives a blow within the vessel.
1877. G. E. Gee, Silversmith’s Handbk., 122. Fig. 32 and 33 represent the snarling-tool.
