Obs. exc. dial. [Alteration of SPRINGE sb.] A snare or noose.

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1604.  Breton, Grimello’s Fortunes, Wks. (Grosart), II. 5/1. Why sir, I set no springs for Woodcocks. Ibid., 10/1. To make a meanes, by which to catch this Wood-cocke in a fine spring.

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1621.  Quarles, Esther, xiv. The rau’ning Fox, that did annoyance bring Vnto thy Vineyard, ’s taken in a Spring.

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1648.  C. Walker, Hist. Independ., 129. This engine … is better then any spring or trap to catch any active Presbyterian.

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1725.  Fam. Dict., s.v. Lark, Country People … make use of Springs … to take Larks with.

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1771.  Smollett, Humph. Cl. (1815), 224. My friend, Justice Buzzard, has set so many springs for my life.

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1881–6.  in Lanc. and Leic. glossaries.

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