snaff

Updated: May 18, 2025

I've seen him talking to you two or three times he danced with 'ee at the rejoicings, and came home with 'ee. Now, now, no blame to you. But just harken: Have you made him any foolish promise? Gone the least bit beyond sniff and snaff at all?" "No. I have promised him nothing." "Good. All's well that ends well. I particularly wish you not to see him again." "Very well, sir." "You promise?"

Thomas Hardy - The Mayor of Casterbridge

And one while he was allays after Miss Nancy, and then it all went off again, like a smell o' hot porridge, as I may say. That wasn't my way when I went a-coorting." "Ah, but mayhap Miss Nancy hung off, like, and your lass didn't," said Ben. "I should say she didn't," said Mr. Macey, significantly. "Before I said "sniff", I took care to know as she'd say "snaff", and pretty quick too.

George Eliot - Silas Marner