snugn.1
/snʌɡ/, U.S. /snəɡ/ 1. A rugged projection; a hard knob or knot; a snag. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > shape > unevenness > projection or prominence > [noun] > a projecting part > rough
scrag1567
snag1586
snub1590
snug1665
1665 J. Bunyan Holy Citie (1669) xv. 107 There shall be a smooth Face upon the whole Earth, all Snugs, and Hubs, and Hills..shall now be took away.
1777–8 R. Wight Horæ Subsecivæ (MS Bodl. Eng. lang. d.66) 398 [Gloucestershire] A Snagg, vel Snugg..a Hard Wooden Ball, commonly some Gnurre, Knobb or Knott of a Tree, wh Boys make Use of at the Play of Bandy instead of a Ball.
1808 J. Jamieson Etymol. Dict. Sc. Lang. Snugs, small branches lopped off from a tree.
2. technical. A projection or ridge cast on a plate, bolt, etc., in order to keep something in position, prevent rotation, or for some similar purpose.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > building and constructing equipment > fastenings > [noun] > bolt > parts of
clench1598
bolt-head1691
snug1843
snap head1869
box-strap1874
cup-head1929
1843 Civil Engineer & Architect's Jrnl. 6 138/2 Instead of the flanges there are ‘snugs’ on the tumbler between the chains to keep them on.
1844 H. Stephens Bk. of Farm II. 214 On the top bar of the frames there are two strong snugs..cast, sufficient to resist the pressure of the rollers.
1887 D. A. Low Introd. Machine Drawing (1892) 17 The snug fits into a short groove cut in the side of the hole.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
snugn.2
/snʌɡ/, U.S. /snəɡ/ 1. the snug, that which is comfortable, quiet, or private. upon the snug, privately. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > physical comfort > [noun] > snug place, position, or feature
the snug1757
snuggery1850
comfort zone1948
society > society and the community > social relations > lack of social communication or relations > retirement or seclusion > [noun] > that which is retired or secluded
the snug1757
society > society and the community > social relations > lack of social communication or relations > retirement or seclusion > [adverb]
in privity?c1225
in private1469
on private1582
monkishly1595
retiredly1599
recluse1612
reclusely1748
in seclusion1785
secludedly1837
en retraite1840
reclusively1845
upon the snug1861
to lie up1881
1757 S. Foote Author i. 8 You love the snug, the Chimney-Corner of Life; and retire to this obscure Nook.
1768 Woman of Honor I. 187 I escaped from those scenes of tasteless enjoyment..into the snug of life.
1861 M. A. Paul Two cosmos i. iv A bye thing [sc. a prize-fight] got up upon the snug at Kilburn Wells.
2.
a. dialect or slang. The bar-parlour of an inn or public-house; = snuggery n. 1b. Also snug bar.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > drinking > drinking place > [noun] > tavern or public house > parlour or snug
parlour1631
box1691
grocery1806
snuggery1829
snug1838
snug1860
bar-parlour1876
beer-parlour1925
1838 Actors by Daylight 1 84 Act-drop..the signal for the stage-manager to run in from the snug, and bully everybody.
1864 B. Brierley Layrock of Langley-side xiii. 173 Who would have followed him into the snug.
1890 Eastern Morning News (Hull) 16 Apr. 4/9 Charged with having wilfully broken a window in the snug of the Shepherdess Inn.
1903 E. Œ. Somerville & ‘M. Ross’ All on Irish Shore 226 ‘Don't be afraid,’ said our hostess reassuringly, ‘he'll never see ye—sure I have him safe back in the snug!’
1956 J. M. Mogey Family & Neighbourhood 105 Solitary women drinkers prefer the snug in a larger public-house.
1967 Punch 17 May 736/3 Old women's gossip in the snug-bar..at ‘The Garibaldi’.
1977 Punch 31 Aug. 331/2 Angus Beakley's cart-horse went berserk and crashed into the snug of The Flat Pig And Hat.
b. One of the compartments in the taproom of an old-fashioned inn.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > drink > drinking > drinking place > [noun] > tavern or public house > parlour or snug
parlour1631
box1691
grocery1806
snuggery1829
snug1838
snug1860
bar-parlour1876
beer-parlour1925
1860 C. Dickens Uncommerc. Traveller in All Year Round 10 Mar. 463/2 Across the room, a series of open pews for Jack..at the other end, a larger pew..entitled Snug, and reserved for mates.
1891 Sc. Leader 18 Sept. 5 He came out of one of the ‘snugs’ or boxes.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
snugadj.1adv.
/snʌɡ/, U.S. /snəɡ/ A. adj.1
1. Nautical.figurative.1846 C. Dickens Dombey & Son (1848) iv. 25 The shop..seemed almost to become a snug, sea-going, ship-shape concern.
a. Of a ship or her parts: Trim, neat, compact; adequately or properly prepared for, or protected from, bad weather.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > vessel with reference to qualities or attributes > [adjective] > seaworthy or stable
navigable1535
snugc1595
stout1622
stiff1627
wholesome1627
seaworthy1807
c1595 Capt. Wyatt in G. F. Warner Voy. R. Dudley to W. Indies (1899) 58 A verie fine snugg long shipp, having on each side vi. portes open, beside her chase and her sterne peeces.
a1642 W. Monson Naval Tracts (1704) iii. 358 She will overtop a lower and snug Ship.
1711 W. Sutherland Ship-builders Assistant 50 The streighter and snuger the Sheer lies, the less Wind is held to hinder the Motion of the Ship.
1799 Naval Chron. 2 304 The stern is..plain, and snug, without much carving.
1840 R. H. Dana Two Years before Mast ii. 3 Soon all was snug aloft, and we were again allowed to go below.
1882 G. S. Nares Seamanship (ed. 6) 46 It would not form so snug a lashing.
1883 Harper's Mag. Aug. 447/2 She will be..snug for any gale.
b. In phrase to make snug.
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > vessel, ship, or boat > shipbuilding and repairing > build a ship [verb (transitive)] > fit out or equip > make trim or prepared for weather
to make snug1697
1697 W. Dampier New Voy. around World xiv. 380 Captain Read..ordered the Carpenters to cut down our Quarter Deck, to make the Ship snug, and the fitter for sailing.
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 10 [To] make every thing snug and close, that the Ship might ride as easy as possible.
1726 G. Shelvocke Voy. round World ii. 70 To ease our bows, and make every thing as snug as possible.
1830 F. Marryat King's Own III. xi. 200 We'll make her all snug... Furl the fore and mizen-topsail.
1851 J. Kitto Daily Bible Illustr. (1867) lii. iv. 445 Their next care was to make the ship ‘snug’, by lowering the sail, and bringing down upon deck her spars and rigging.
1897 M. Kingsley Trav. W. Afr. 385 We let go the anchor, make all snug and go ashore.
c. transferred. Of persons or things: Neat, trim. Now Obsolete or dialect.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > beauty > pleasing appearance > [adjective] > neat or trim
netc1330
pertc1330
cleanc1386
nicec1400
picked?c1425
dapperc1440
feata1471
gim1513
trig1513
well-trimmedc1513
trick1533
smirk1534
tricksy1552
neat1559
netty1573
deft1579
primpc1590
briska1593
smug1598
spruce1598
sprink1602
terse1602
compt1632
nitle1673
sprig1675
snod1691
tight1697
smugged1706
snug1714
pensy1718
fitty1746
jemmy1751
sprucy1774
smartc1778
natty1785
spry1806
perjink1808
soigné1821
nutty1823
toiletted1823
taut1829
spick and span1846
spicy1846
groomed1853
spiffy1853
well-groomed1865
bandboxy1870
perjinkity1880
spick-span1888
bandbox1916
tiddly1925
whip-smart1937
spit and polish1950
spit-and-polished1977
1714 R. Steele Lover No. 15 There was seated just before her a pretty snug Academick.
1725 A. Ramsay Gentle Shepherd i. ii He kames his hair, indeed, and gaes right snug.
1756 Connoisseur No. 126. ⁋5 Flowers of rhetoric, injudiciously scattered over a sermon, are as disgusting in his discourse, as the snug wig and scented white handkerchief in his dress.
1789 G. Morris in J. Sparks Life G. Morris (1832) II. 90 Sometimes an orator closes with a good snug resolution which is carried with a huzza.
d. Close-fitting; tight.
ΘΚΠ
the world > textiles and clothing > clothing > types or styles of clothing > [adjective] > that fits in specific way > close-fitting
straita1387
justc1440
sitting1440
close1488
well-fitted1590
close-bodied1677
succinct1714
tightish1775
tight1784
full-fashioned1812
skintight1838
snug1838
fully-fashioned1844
tight-fitting1846
close-fitting1870
slim1884
skin-fitting1915
skinny1915
slinky1921
tight-ass1969
1838 W. Holloway Gen. Dict. Provincialisms
1895 Westm. Gaz. 13 Aug. 7/2 The corsage of the gown should not be too snug, but it should be shapely and ‘tailor made’ to the last degree.
2.
a. In a state of ease, comfort, or quiet enjoyment. Chiefly pred., and frequently with in (a place).
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > physical comfort > [adjective]
snug1630
cosy1728
comfortable1770
comfy1829
podded1889
on (also in) (the) plush1911
1630 J. Lane Contin. Squire's Tale (Ashm. 53) (1888) vi. 5 Now Chaunticleere..the poise of his clockes watch at twoe gann sterr,..Yet snugg binn they in cabins.
1707 [see sense A. 2b]. 1783 W. Cowper Let. 20 Oct. (1981) II. 172 There is hardly to be found upon the earth, I suppose, so snug a creature as an Englishman by his fire-side in the Winter.
1798 R. Southey Pious Painter ii. xi Released from his prison,..The Painter is snug in his bed.
1813 H. Smith & J. Smith Horace in London ii. xx. 173 Tho' all the while my proper self Is snug at home, My pen shall roam.
1859 W. Collins Queen of Hearts I. 150 I made a blazing fire..and sat down to tea, as snug and comfortable as possible.
1891 E. Peacock Narcissa Brendon I. 131 He found..the Colonel's groom making the animals snug for the night.
b. In phrases of comparison (see quots.).
ΚΠ
1707 E. Ward Wooden World Dissected 58 He sits as snug as a Bee in a Box, making his Honey.
1769 Stratford Jubilee ii. i If she [a rich widow] has the mopus's, I'll have her, as snug as a bug in a rug.
1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas IV. x. x. 149 You will be as snug there as a bug in a blanket.
1833 T. Hook Widow vi, in Love & Pride I. 161 You might sit as snug as a bug in a rug.
1888 F. T. Elworthy W. Somerset Word-bk. (at cited word) ‘So snug's a bug in a rug’ is the common superlative expression.
1934 J. Buchan Free Fishers xiii. 211 Jem hung up his hat and ever since has been as snug as a flea in a blanket.
1936 D. Powell Turn, Magic Wheel i. 93 The fetish of permanency, the snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug fetish.
1974 P. Dickinson Poison Oracle ii. 42 You just wait here, snug as a bug in a rug, learning it all second hand.
c. With lie vb. Also, securely caught or imprisoned. (Cf. A. 6.)
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restraint depriving of liberty > [adjective] > capturing > made captive
captivec1374
caitiffa1382
caitivedc1440
captived1590
captured1796
snug1796
1688 G. Miege Great French Dict. ii. sig. Qqq3v/2 To ly snug in a Bed.
1781 W. Cowper Anti-Thelypthora 79 On southern banks the ruminating sheep Lay snug and warm.
1796 Ld. Nelson Let. 1 Aug. in Dispatches & Lett. (1845) II. 224 This blockade is complete, and we lay very snug in the North Road.
1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xii. 101 While Becky Sharp was on her own wing in the country..Amelia lay snug in her home of Russell Square.
1879 R. Browning Martin Relph 51 Safe in the trap would they now lie snug, had treachery made no sign.
3.
a. Of places, buildings, etc.: Comfortable and warm, cosy; esp. combining comfort with neatness and compactness.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > physical comfort > [adjective] > snug or comfortable (of places)
lithe1488
lowna1522
bein1533
close1571
snod1695
snugging1701
snugc1718
tosie1720
canny1737
cosy1786
fiel1792
snuggish1818
familyish1824
nest-like1864
hygge1963
the world > space > extension in space > measurable spatial extent > smallness > [adjective] > of small or scanty extent > compact
succinct1635
compact1642
snugc1718
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > [adjective] > having or communicating much heat > warm > and comfortable
snugc1718
toasty1961
c1718 M. Prior Ladle 68 A Country Farm, Where all was snug, and clean, and warm.
1785 W. Cowper Task i. 513 Then snug enclosures in the shelter'd vale..Delight us.
1806 J. Beresford Miseries Human Life I. iii. 50 Your snug warm bed.
1841 C. Dickens Barnaby Rudge ii. 247 Such were the locksmith's thoughts when first seated in the snug corner.
1885 M. E. Braddon Wyllard's Weird i Heathcote inherited a snug little estate near Bodmin.
1898 J. A. Gibbs Cotswold Village 141 I know no..snugger hostelry than the Swan.
b. Of climate: Agreeable, pleasant, genial.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > [adjective] > pleasing to the senses > of surroundings or climate
delicate1553
sensuous1858
snug1888
1888 Harper's Mag. Mar. 562/1 Duluth has a cool, salubrious summer and a snug winter climate.
4. in extended use.1808 ‘P. Plymley’ Eighth, Ninth & Last Let. ix. 22 An endless series of snug expectations, and cruel disappointments.1814 W. Scott Waverley I. v. 70 The snug probability of succeeding to his father's office. View more context for this quotation
a. Enabling one to live in comfort and comparative ease.
ΚΠ
1732 H. Fielding Mod. Husband ii. 19 Have you no Friend that cou'd favour you with some comfortable snug Employment, of a thousand or fifteen Hundred per Annum?
1780 Mirror No. 78 Looking out for some snug office, or reversion, to which my interest with several powerful friends might recommend me.
1822 W. Hazlitt Table-talk (1869) 2nd Ser. iv. 97 A few hundreds a year are something snug and comfortable.
1867 Routledge's Every Boy's Ann. 79 A good snug business they've got.
b. Moderately well-to-do; comfortably off; ‘warm’. Chiefly Irish English dialect.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > wealth > [adjective] > well-off
wellc1405
sufficient1436
full?1483
suffisant1484
beina1525
warmc1571
well-breeched1571
meaned1605
well-meaned1605
well-lined1611
substanced?1614
well-circumstanced1643
forehanded1658
uppish1678
easy1701
brownstone1780
forehand1784
solid1788
well-to-do1794
snug1801
strong farmer1802
well-fixed1822
unindigent1830
well off1842
fixed1844
comfortably offc1850
heeled1871
well-heeled1871
well in1888
independent1893
1801 M. Edgeworth Forester in Moral Tales I. 149 He was a very cautious snug man, and he did not choose to interfere.
1828 T. C. Croker Fairy Legends & Trad. S. Ireland II. 222 Tim himself would have been snug enough besides, but that he loved the drop.
1842 S. Lover Handy Andy viii You're a snug man, Mat; you ought to be able to give a husband a trifle with them.
1900 E. Phillpotts Sons of Morning iii. iii ‘Twenty pounds ban't much.’.. ‘Not to your faither, as he be a snug man enough by accounts.’
c. Fairly large or substantial.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > [adjective] > considerable in amount or degree
goodeOE
fairOE
goodlyc1275
largea1375
no littlea1413
substantial1413
unleast?1440
prettya1475
reasonablea1500
substantious1545
substantive1575
sensible1581
pretty and ——1596
goody1597
greatish1611
considerable1651
sonsy1721
respectable1736
smart1750
quite a little ——1763
gey1796
smartish1799
canny1805
serious1810
right smart1825
dunnamuch1831
snug1833
tidy1839
bonnyish1855
largish1872
a nice little ——1891
significant1898
healthy1901
beaucoup1917
the world > space > extension in space > measurable spatial extent > largeness > [adjective] > somewhat large
substantial1413
indifferent1548
handsome1577
biggish1611
sizeable1613
well-sized?1614
considerable1651
good-sized1657
largish1752
snug1833
fairish1858
1833 H. Martineau Messrs. Vanderput & Snoek iv. 65 I shipped a snug package of velvets, which certain great folks are at this moment wearing.
1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xl. 368 Having a snug legacy from Miss Crawley.
1873 B. Harte Episode of Fiddletown 40 This gentleman had made a snug fortune during the felicitous prevalence of a severe epidemic.
5. † b. Cant. (See quot. 1725) Obsolete.
a. Marked or characterized by ease or comfort; comfortable, cosy.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > physical comfort > [adjective] > comfortable (of conditions or way of life)
easyc1380
easefulc1425
commodiousa1528
commoditious1574
carpeta1639
large1722
snug1766
comfortable1769
liveable1794
comfy1829
featherbed-campaigner1888
rose water1889
(a)
(b)1813 Examiner 15 Feb. 102/2 Denmark and Sweden..had kept themselves in a very snug neutrality.1844 C. Dickens Martin Chuzzlewit xlvi. 524 A sort of snug and comfortable penitence.1766 C. Anstey New Bath Guide xiii. ii. 89 No Lady in London is half so expert At a snug private Party, her Friends to divert.
1781 H. More in Roberts Mem. (1835) I. 210 I was on Monday night at a very snug little party... We had a snug day.
1824 W. Irving Tales of Traveller I. 185 They did occasionally give snug dinners to three or four literary men at a time.
1827 W. Scott Chron. Canongate i The club-room, and the snug hand at whist.
1850 W. M. Thackeray Pendennis I. xxxviii. 373 He liked snug dinners of all things in the world.
ΚΠ
1725 New Canting Dict. (at cited word) All's snug, all's quiet; used by Villains, when every thing is silent, and they hear no body stir to oppose their intended Rogueries.
c. Of a borough: Close. (See borough n. 3c) rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > office > appointment to office > choosing or fact of being chosen for office > election of representative body by vote > right to vote at elections > [adjective] > type of constituency
snug1844
three-cornered1882
multi-member1911
marginal1948
supermarginal1955
1844 P. Harwood Hist. Irish Rebellion 41 (note) The other boroughs, which were close or snug, sent the remainder.
6. † b. Marked or characterized by privacy, secrecy, or concealment; private, secret. Obsolete.
a. In concealment or hiding; out of sight or observation. Chiefly with lie vb. (Cf. A. 2c.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > [adjective] > in hiding
snug1687
1687 tr. Sallust (1692) 185 The Numidians kept themselves and their Horses snug within the Trees and Bushes.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Pastorals iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 11 Did I not see you, Rascal, did I not! When you lay snug to snap young Damon's Goats?
1733 J. Swift On Poetry 9 Be sure at Will's the following Day, [To] Lie Snug, and hear what Criticks say.
1797 F. Reynolds Will iii. i When a man is in debt, the Capital is the place to lie snug in!
1809 B. H. Malkin tr. A. R. Le Sage Adventures Gil Blas II. v. i. 242 A hue and cry was raised..; but I lay snug, and they missed me.
1815 W. Scott Guy Mannering II. 200 But you must remain snug at the Point of Warroch till I come to see you.
1862 G. Borrow Wild Wales lxxxii Lying snug in cave by day and going out at night to rob.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > privacy > [adjective]
sundereOE
privyc1300
close1393
private1472
soleinc1475
secret1528
retired1595
implicit1610
cabinet1611
underhanda1616
closet1639
umbratile1640
closeteda1649
curtain1661
recluse1673
snug1710
pocket1804
entre nous1806
underground1820
sub rosa1824
esoterical1850
esoteric1876
society > society and the community > social relations > lack of social communication or relations > retirement or seclusion > [adjective]
reclusedc1443
quiet1507
withdrawing1576
secluse1597
reclusive1600
secluded1604
recluse1608
withdrawn?1615
sequestering1620
monastica1631
anchorite1639
solitousa1656
sequestered1658
snug1710
hermitish1812
anchoritish1823
umbratic1839
Garboesque1928
Garboic1937
1710 J. Swift Lett. (1767) III. 37 Methinks when I write plain..all the world can see us. A bad scrawl is so snug.
1766 Life of Quin i. 7 James had..carried on what he thought a very snug intrigue with Mrs. L.
c. to keep (..) snug, to keep quiet, to refrain from talking about or alluding to (something). Now dialect.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > hiding, concealing from view > keeping from knowledge > keep quiet about [phrase]
to keep or hold (a matter) counsel (later in counsela1400
to keep secret1399
to keep (something) dark1532
to draw a veil over1582
not to tell one's shirt1586
to keep one's (own) counsel1604
to put (also keep) in one's pocketa1616
to name no names1692
to make a secret of1738
to keep (‥) snug1778
to clap, put, or keep the thumb on1825
to wash one's dirty linen at home, in public1867
to hold back1956
to sweep (also brush, kick, etc.) (something) under the rug1956
to get it off one's chest1961
to sweep (or push) (something) under the carpet1963
1778 F. Burney Let. 27 Aug. in Early Jrnls. & Lett. (1994) III. 116 My conduct has been as uniform in trying to keep snug as my words.
1796 F. Burney Lett. 10 July He,..laughingly, said, ‘So you keep it quite snug’.
1856 C. J. Lever Martins of Cro' Martin 508 I take it for granted that he'll be as glad of a settlement that keeps all ‘snug’, as ourselves.
1877 E. Peacock Gloss. Words Manley & Corringham, Lincs. 231/2 Doctors an' lawyers is beholden to keep things snug, folks tells 'em.
7. Used as an interjection asking for or commanding secrecy, esp. in phrase snug's the word.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > command to secrecy [interjection]
tell it not in Gatha1627
snug's the word1700
1700 W. Congreve Way of World i. i. 13 If Throats are to be cut, let Swords clash; snugs the Word, I shrug and am silent.
1754 S. Foote Knights i. 9 You could give us a little News if you would; come now!—Snug!—Nobody by.
1812 M. Edgeworth Vivian ix, in Tales Fashionable Life IV. 256 There's a man, who could tell you more than any of us, if he would; but, snug's the word with Wicksted.
1842 S. Lover Handy Andy xxi Whisht,..not a word... Good-bye, you'll hear more about it to-morrow—snug's the word.
B. adv.
Snugly.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > [adverb] > safely or securely
fasteOE
sickerc1275
sickerlyc1290
surelyc1330
surea1400
surefully1495
soverly1513
sover1575
secure1578
securely1587
snug1674
rug1714
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > fastening > condition of being fast bound or firmly fixed > [adverb] > tightly or closely
narroweOE
straitc1200
straitly1338
sore1377
short1533
nearly1587
strictly1641
snug1674
chock1768
snugly1800
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > physical comfort > [adverb]
softOE
at likinga1398
commodiously1420
beinly?a1500
at home1531
in sufficiencec1550
softly1567
snugly1590
easefully1611
comfortably1634
cosily1721
lown1724
snug1766
lownly1788
tosh1808
comfily1917
the world > space > distance > nearness > [adverb] > nearly or closely
nighlyOE
nighc1387
throng?a1425
justc1440
narrowly1487
foot-hot1513
meeta1522
hardly1554
fastlings1568
nearly1569
neara1592
close1596
closely1634
nicely1690
narrow1697
snugly1800
snug1831
tight1888
1674 N. Fairfax Treat. Bulk & Selvedge 128 I take the seed..to be a cluster of bubbles wryed up snug.
1766 C. Anstey New Bath Guide vi. i. 37 So they hoisted her down just as safe..And as snug as a Hod'mandod rides in his Shell.
1768 O. Goldsmith Good Natur'd Man Epil. 75 He eyes the centre, where his friends sit snug.
1831 Lincoln Herald 9 Sept. 3/6 It is calculated to button across snug up to the neck.
1853 E. K. Kane U.S. Grinnell Exped. (1856) xxix. 252 The provisions and stores of all sorts are packed snug.
1884 D. Pae Eustace 34 To see you succeed in getting your son and my nephew put snug into the estate.
Compounds
snug-box n.
ΚΠ
1768 Woman of Honor III. 76 That neat snug-box of mine in Surry.
snug-chair n.
ΚΠ
1703 G. Farquhar Twin-rivals iv. i. 44 Presently enters Mr. Moabite, follow'd by a snug Chair, the Windows close drawn.
snug-parlour n.
ΚΠ
1817 M. Keating Trav. II. 5 The snug-parlour travellers of the critic.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
† snugadj.2
Obsolete.
? Snub.
ΚΠ
1631 B. Jonson Staple of Newes iii. ii. 80 in Wks. II It is an Automa,..With a snug nose, and has a nimble taile.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2021).
snugv.
/snʌɡ/, U.S. /snəɡ/ 1. figurative and in extended use.1648 J. Beaumont Psyche ii. iv. 14 The summer Clouds, snugging in laps of flow'rs.1648 R. Herrick Hesperides sig. C5 Vnder a Lawne..Some ruffled Roses nestling were: And snugging there, they seem'd to lye As in a flowrie Nunnery.1674 N. Fairfax Treat. Bulk & Selvedge 86 The pieces of a body..are only clapt together at their little smoothnesses as close as they can snug.1978 T. L. Smith Money War (1979) i. 74 Folding bipod which snugs under the barrel when not in use; large winter trigger.
a. intransitive. Of persons (or animals): To lie or nestle closely or comfortably, esp. in bed; to snuggle. Now rare or dialect. (Cf. snudge v.2)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > love > embrace > [verb (intransitive)] > nestle or snuggle up
snug1583
snudge1633
nuzzle1637
snuggle1688
nestle1709
cuddle1710
snuzzle1781
snoozle1831
snuggle1840
pettle1855
coorie1898
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > physical comfort > be comfortable or easy [verb (intransitive)] > nestle snugly
snug1583
nuzzle1597
snug1603
snuggle1840
cose1857
1583 A. Golding tr. J. Calvin Serm. on Deuteronomie lxvii. 411 In stead of setting forward we retire backe, or els sit snugging stil in our owne slothfulnesse.
a1586 Sir P. Sidney Arcadia (1593) i. sig. H3 Betwixt them two the peeper tooke his nest, Where snugging well he well appear'd content.
1616 J. Lane Contin. Squire's Tale vi. 5 While snugginge they in cabbins lay each one.
1692 R. L'Estrange Fables (1694) 61 The loving couple lay snugging together.
1824 C. Lamb Lett. (1935) II. 285 Let 'em all snug together, Hebrews and Proselytes of the gate.
b. With to or into.
ΚΠ
1674 N. Fairfax Treat. Bulk & Selvedge 110 [An atom] so snugs to another, as not to be in another.
1688 G. Miege Great French Dict. ii. sig. Qqq3v/2 To snug to his Bed-fellow.
1828 N. Webster Amer. Dict. Eng. Lang. (at cited word) A child snugs to its mother or nurse.
1888 B. Edmondston & J. M. E. Saxby Home of Naturalist 85 After she and Wildie had snugged into bed.
c. U.S. With up.
ΚΠ
1868 M. M. Pomeroy Nonsense xxvi. 248 She ‘snugged up’ toward us as gently as a juvenile dove.
1873 J. H. Beadle Undeveloped West v. 106 He used to complain that I ‘snugged up’ altogether too much.
2. With down: To nestle, settle down; to make oneself snug or comfortable.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > physical comfort > be comfortable or easy [verb (intransitive)] > nestle snugly
snug1583
nuzzle1597
snug1603
snuggle1840
cose1857
society > travel > travel by water > other nautical operations > [verb (transitive)] > put in proper place or make secure
ship17..
house1741
to batten down1823
snug1881
snug1898
1603 T. Dekker et al. Patient Grissill sig. A3v Then this eye lookes vp, yet downe I snug againe.
1898 Westm. Gaz. 4 Mar. 3/1 They turn into the Home for Asiatics, and snug down till Mr. Johnston..gets them a ship.
1904 E. Nesbit Phoenix & Carpet ii. 26 ‘I'm a baby bear!’ said the Lamb, snugging down.
3. transitive.
a. To place or put snugly, neatly, or comfortably.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > placing or fact of being placed in (a) position > place or put in a position [verb (transitive)] > snugly or comfortably
snug1754
1754 O. Goldsmith in J. Forster Life Goldsmith (1871) I. 437 Every woman carries in her hand a stove with coals in it, which, when she sits, she snugs under her petticoats.
b. U.S. slang. ‘To conceal from the owner, to purloin’ (Bartlett).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > taking > stealing or theft > petty theft or pilfering > pilfer [verb (transitive)]
mitcha1393
pelfa1400
purloinc1475
prowl?1529
finger1530
pilfer1532
lurchc1565
filch1567
filch1574
proloyne1581
nim1606
hook1615
truff1718
snaffle1725
crib1735
pettifog1759
magg1762
niffle1785
cabbage1793
weed1811
nibble1819
cab1825
smouch1826
snuga1859
mooch1862
attract1891
souvenir1897
rat1906
snipe1909
promote1918
salvage1918
smooch1941
a1859 in Bartlett Dict. Americanisms (ed. 2) 424 I'd stuff watches, drop pocket-books,..but I'd never condescend to snug dogs.
4. reflexive. To make (oneself) comfortable, secure, or safe (cf. quots.); to bring (oneself) into something comfortable.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > safety > obtain safety [verb (reflexive)] > take up secure position
retrench1705
snug1795
ensconce1820
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > sensuous pleasure > physical comfort > [verb (reflexive)] > make oneself snug
hug1642
snug1795
snuggle1876
1795 Gazette of U.S. (Philadelphia) 7 Mar. [He will] keep up his credit and character, till he has snugged himself into a good estate.
1822 E. Nathan Langreath I. 5 His steward, who has snugged himself pretty well by robbing his master and oppressing the poor.
1856 Leisure Hour 28 Aug. 559/1 We hear voices and steps just outside, but snug ourselves in the security of our retreat.
5.
a. To make snug, comfortable, or tidy; to set nicely in order. Frequently with up or down.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > put in (proper) order [verb (transitive)] > put in order or tidy
redeOE
slick1340
redda1500
prepare1585
spruce1594
rid1599
snod1608
to clear up1762
snug1787
ted1811
tidy1821
side1825
fix1832
to pick up1853
mense1859
straighten1867
square1909
neaten1942
(a)
absolute.1885 Field 19 Dec. 870/3 We snugged up for the night.(b)1891 W. C. Russell Marriage at Sea I. iv. 100 I snugged her in rugs.1897 Advance (Chicago) 18 Mar. 342/1 They have become an ‘Army of Occupation’, with huts snugged for winter.1787 R. Burns Poems (new ed.) 68 Potatoe-bings are snugged up frae skaith Of coming Winter's biting, frosty breath.
1836 T. C. Haliburton Clockmaker 1st Ser. xxxv What the dickens was them two great rolls o' canvass for, I seed snugg'd up and tied to your crupper?
1836 T. C. Haliburton Clockmaker 1st Ser. xxxvii Whenever you see a place all snugged up.., depend on it the folks are of the right kind.
1888 Cent. Mag. Aug. 617/2 The tent was shut, and everything snugged up.
1892 G. R. Lowndes Camping Sketches I. 44 We snugged things down quite elegantly, in expectation of visitors.
b. To put or stow away snugly.
ΘΚΠ
the world > space > place > placing or fact of being placed in (a) position > place or put in a position [verb (transitive)] > stow away
to stow away1795
snug1859
1859 H. D. Beecher & E. D. Proctor Life Thoughts 2nd Ser. 55 He knows very well where it is snugged away.
1880 L. Wallace Ben-Hur 516 He beheld Esther,..a small figure snugged away under her father's lap-robe.
1897 Daily News 21 June 4/5 You are comfortably snugged away under a wide~spreading arch.
6. Nautical.
a. To make (a ship, etc.) snug or trim, esp. by lashing or stowing movables, furling or reducing sails, lowering topmasts, etc., in preparation for bad weather; to furl (a sail).
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > other nautical operations > [verb (transitive)] > put in proper place or make secure
ship17..
house1741
to batten down1823
snug1881
snug1898
1881 Daily Tel. 28 Jan. Bit by bit the canvas was snugged until the brig had nothing on her but her lower maintopsail [etc.].
1881 W. C. Russell Ocean Free-lance II. 177 The men were employed in snugging the decks.
1890 W. C. Russell Ocean Trag. I. ix. 189 They had snugged the ‘Bride’ to very small canvas.
b. Similarly with down. Also absol. and transferred.
ΚΠ
1893 Westm. Gaz. 28 Feb. 10/3 Having hove in their trawl they were all forward..snugging the vessel down, as they were threatened with more wind.
1899 A. Quiller-Couch Ship of Stars xxiv [Taffy] gave the order to snug down and man the cradle for shore.
1918 R. Kipling Land & Sea Tales (1923) 116 They snugged her down. I don't know how one snugs down an aeroplane.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.11665n.21757
adj.1adv.c1595
adj.21631v.1583