snaffle

Etymology

Apparently from Dutch snavel, from Middle Dutch snavel, snabel (“snout”), diminutive of Middle Dutch snabbe, snebbe (“bird's bill, neb”). Akin to Old Frisian snavel (“mouth”), Middle Low German snabbe (“neb, beak”), Old English nebb (“beak, bill, nose, face”). More at neb.

noun

1. A broad-mouthed, loose-ringed bit (metal in a horse's mouth). It brings pressure to bear on the tongue and bars and corners of the mouth, and is often used as a training bit.
2. (figurative) Decorative wear that looks like a snaffle.

verb

1. (transitive) To put a snaffle on, or control with a snaffle.
2. (transitive) To clutch by the bridle.
3. (transitive, informal) To grab or seize; to snap up.
4. (transitive, informal) To purloin, or obtain by devious means.
   […] the Master at Arms, the senior member of the lower deck and chief policeman, was found to be drunk; he must have snaffled some of the crew's rum ration always kept closely guarded in a special locker […] 2014, Geoffrey Bennett, The Battles of Coronel and the Falklands, 1914