to sniggle

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

A method of fishing for eels in small streams and ponds.


Sniggling is thus performed. In a warm day, take a small strong hook, tied to a string about a yard long; and then into one of the holes, where an eel may hide herself, with the help of a short stick, put in your bait leisurely, and as far as you may, conveniently; if within the sight of it, the eel will bite instantly, and as certainly gorge it; pull him out by degrees.--Izaak Walton, Angler.

In the darkest nights we rowed across the pond and sniggled for eels.--Margaret, p. 234.

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