snatch, snatche

[SNATCH, v.] I. Ordinary Language : 1. A hasty catch or seizing. 2. A catching at or attempt to seize suddenly. 3. A short, sudden fit of vigorous action. "They move by fits and snatches ; so that it is not conceivable how they conduce unto a motion, which by reason of its perpetuity, must be regular and equal."Wilkins: Dædal us . 4. A small piece, fragment, or quantity. "At his door he stood, And whistled many a snatch of merry tunes." Words worth: Excursion , bk. i. 5. A hasty repast, a snack. ( Scotch .) *6. A shuffling answer. "Leave your snatches , yield me a direct answer." Shakesp .: Measure for Measure , iv. 2. II. Naut .: An open lead for a rope. [SNATCH If it be without a sheave, it is known as a dumb-snatch, such as are provided on the bows and quarters for hawsers. snatch-block, s . Naut.: A single block which has an opening (notch) in one cheek to receive the bight of a rope. The block is iron-bound, with a swivel hook. The portion of the strap which cro es the opening or snatch in the shell is hinged, so as to be laid back when the bight of the rope is to be inserted, when warping the ship. This saves the trouble of reev. ing the end through. Large blocks of this kind are called viol-blocks or rouse-about blocks.