Sniffing

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Sniff \Sniff\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Sniffed}or {Snift}; p. pr. &
     vb. n. {Sniffing}.] [OE. sneven; akin to snivel, snuff; cf.
     Dan. snive to sniff. See {Snuff}, v. t.]
     To draw air audibly up the nose; to snuff; -- sometimes done
     as a gesture of suspicion, offense, or contempt.
     [1913 Webster]


  
           So ye grow squeamish, gods, and sniff at heaven. --M.
                                                    Arnold.
     [1913 Webster]

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Sniffing \Sniff"ing\, n. (Physiol.)
     A rapid inspiratory act, in which the mouth is kept shut and
     the air drawn in through the nose.
     [1913 Webster]