snell/snɛl/EtymologyEnglish surname, from the adjective snell. See also Sneller, Snelling. Also Americanized from German Schnell and Dutch snel, of the same meaning.nameA surname.An unincorporated community in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, United States.An unincorporated community in Harrison, Marathon County, Wisconsin, United States.adjQuick, smart; sharp, active, brisk or nimble; lively.“That in ilk action, wise and snell / You may shaw Manly fire.”Quick-witted; clever.“With all this heavy artillery, somewhat slow and cumbrous, on great questions, he had no want, when he was speaking off-hand, of quick, snell remark, often witty and full of spirit, and often too unexpected, like lightning—flashing, smiting, and gone.”Harsh, severe, or stinging.“Conscience is a rough lad, I grant you, and I am keen and snell also; but never mind, take his advice, and you’ll be some credit to your freens yet, ye scoonrel.”nounA short line of horsehair, gut, monofilament, etc., by which a fishhook or lure is attached to a longer (and usually heavier) line.“He tied on new baited snells and recovered the current with the oars.”verbTo tie a hook to the end of a fishing line with a snell knot.“Can you show me how to snell a hook?”