Now dial. Forms: α. 1 snæd, 3 snede, 7–9 sneed, 9 sneyd, sneid; 7– snead. β. 9 sned. See also SNATH. [OE. snǽd, of obscure origin and not represented in the cognate languages.] The shaft or pole of a scythe.
α. c. 1000. Ælfric, Hom., II. 162. Hwilon eac befeoll an siðe of ðam snæde into anum deopan seaðe.
1235–52. Rentalia Glastonb. (Somerset Rec. Soc.), 165. Et [habebit] de herba quantum potest levare cum sidsnede.
1664. Evelyn, Sylva, xii. § 2. These Hedges are … kept in order with a Scythe of four foot long…; this is fix’d on a long sneed or streight handle.
1686. Plot, Staffordsh., 357. A short strong Sithe about a foot long, fitted with a strong Snead.
1813. Davis, Agric. Wilts., in Archæol. Rev. (1888), Scythe, or Sive—The handle [is] called the snead.
1825–. in dial. glossaries, etc. (Somerset, Northampt., Chesh., Warwicks.).
1885. Calendar of Prisoners at Mids. Sessions, Taunton, 30 June, William Chorley … stealing a scythe and snead.
β. 1825–. in dial. glossaries (Northumb., Shropsh., Northampt.).
1844. H. Stephens, Bk. Farm, III. 849. The curved sned is usually made of willow.
1901. Scotsman, 1 April, 8/7. He sent his servant … for a scythe sned.
