01 n. A contrivance, often consisting of a noose of cord, or the like, by which a bird or other animal may be entangled and caught; a trap; a gin.
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1.
A contrivance, often consisting of a noose of cord, or the like, by which a bird or other animal may be entangled and caught; a trap; a gin.
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2.
Hence, anything by which one is entangled and brought into trouble.“If thou retire, the Dauphin, well appointed, Stands with the snares of war to tangle thee.” — Shak.
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3.
The gut or string stretched across the lower head of a drum.
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4.
An instrument, consisting usually of a wireloop or noose, for removing tumors, etc., by avulsion.(Med.)
Phrases & compounds
Snare drum —
the smaller common military drum, as distinguished from the bass drum; -- so called because (in order to render it more resonant) it has stretched across its lower head a catgut string or strings.