snuffer

snuffer
snuffer1
/snuf"euhr/, n.
1. a person who snuffs or sniffs.
2. a person who takes snuff.
[1600-10; SNUFF1 + -ER1]
snuffer2
/snuf"euhr/, n.
1. candlesnuffer.
2. extinguisher (def. 3).
3. a person who snuffs candles.
[1425-75; late ME. See SNUFF2, -ER1]

* * *

      metal implement used to extinguish the flame of a candle, generally in a form of a scissors (to snuff the flame and cut off the wick) or a hollow cone at the end of a long handle. The earliest surviving example is a silver-gilt snuffer in the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, dated about 1550; but inventories mention snuffers as early as mid-15th century in England. Other surviving examples show that brass and steel were the most common metals used, but precious metals were also used. The decoration on snuffers usually consists of roughly cast ornament, but some 18th-century continental examples of steel are finely pierced and chiselled. The introduction of candles with self-consuming wicks in the latter half of the 19th century and the development of alternative methods of lighting brought about a consequent decline in the use of snuffers.

* * *


Universalium. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Нужен реферат?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • snuffer — [snuf′ər] n. 1. a device with a cone on the end of a handle, for extinguishing a burning candle: in full candle snuffer 2. [usually pl.] an instrument like shears, for snuffing a candle: also pair of snuffers …   English World dictionary

  • Snuffer — Snuff er, n. 1. One who snuffs. [1913 Webster] 2. (Zo[ o]l.) The common porpoise. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • snuffer — ► NOUN ▪ a small hollow metal cone on the end of a handle, used to extinguish a candle by smothering the flame …   English terms dictionary

  • snuffer — Porpoise Por poise, n. [OE. porpeys, OF. porpeis, literally, hog fish, from L. porcus swine + piscis fish. See {Pork}, and {Fish}.] 1. (Zo[ o]l.) Any small cetacean of the genus {Phoc[ae]na}, especially {Phoc[ae]na communis}, or {Phoc[ae]na… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • snuffer — I. noun Date: 15th century 1. a device similar to a pair of scissors for cropping and holding the snuff of a candle usually used in plural but sing. or plural in constr. 2. candlesnuffer II. noun Date: circa 1610 one that snuffs or sniffs …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • snuffer — noun a) A device made to extinguish (snuff out) a candle (candlesnuffer). b) A person who uses snuff …   Wiktionary

  • snuffer — snuff|er [ snʌfər ] noun count a CANDLESNUFFER …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • snuffer — n. candlesnuffer, device consisting of a long thing handle and small cone on the end used to put out candles; extinguisher, device used to extinguish candle flames; one who snuffs candles; person who sniffs; one who uses snuff (powdered tobacco… …   English contemporary dictionary

  • snuffer — noun a small hollow metal cone on the end of a handle, used to extinguish a candle by smothering the flame …   English new terms dictionary

  • snuffer — noun (C) a tool with a small bell shaped end on a handle for putting out candles …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”