subs. (common).—In pl. = the imaginary name of a practical joker; also a derisive retort on an idle question—SNOOKS!
Verb. (common).—To pry; to watch; TO DOG (q.v.): also SNOOP: which also = (American) TO PICK (q.v.). Hence SNOOK (SNOOP, SNOOKER, or SNOOPER) = a spy; a sneak; a PAUL PRY (q.v.).
1653. R. BROME, The New Academy, ii. 1.
| I must not lose my harmlesse recreations | |
| Abroad to SNOOK over my wife at home. |
TO CUT (or COCK) SNOOKS, verb. phr. (common).—See SIGHT.
