snapdragon

Etymology

(1570s) From snap + dragon, from children pretending that the flower is a dragon that opens its "mouth" when squeezed on the sides. Compare for this sense the etymology of Dutch leeuwenbek (“snapdragon”, literally “lion's mouth”). For the parlour game sense, the 1704 Swift quotation is apparently the earliest appearance in print.

noun

1. (countable) Any plant of the genus Antirrhinum, with showy yellow, white or red flowers.
   Snapdragon leaves are asymmetrical with respect to dorsal-ventral surfaces (Fig. 6.6A). 1998, Stephen H. Howell, Molecular Genetics of Plant Development, Cambridge University Press, page 146
   2000, Margaret Roberts, Edible & Medicinal Flowers, New Africa Books (The Spearhead Press), page 72, The snapdragon is indigenous to Europe and has been a much loved garden plant since before the Middle Ages, when it was considered an antidote against witchcraft.
   Modern snapdragons aren't usually grown for their scent, although some do smell slightly spicy. 2006, Lynn Coulter, Gardening with Heirloom Seeds, University of North Carolina Press, page 59
2. (uncountable) A game in which raisins are snatched from a vessel containing burning brandy, and eaten; the substance snatched and eaten during the playing of the game; the vessel used for the game.
   "And now for snap-dragon," said Marian. "Exactly as you predicted, Mr. Graham," said Madeline; "blind-man's buff at a quarter past three, and snap-dragon at five." 1862, Anthony Trollope, Orley Farm, Chapman and Hall, published 1868, page 159
   From the 16th to 19th centuries, no Christmas Eve celebration was complete without a hearty game of Snapdragon in the parlor. 2014, Stephanie Barron, On Hosting Your Regency-Era Christmas Party, Soho Press, page 13
   2014, Sabrina Jeffries, When Sparks Fly, Simon & Schuster (Pocket Star Books), unnumbered page, "I hope we play snapdragon," eight-year-old Timothy Metcalf said. "I wish we could," Ellie said, "but I doubt Papa will allow it. He'll say snatching raisins from a burning bowl of brandy is too dangerous." "But snapdragon is a Christmas tradition!" protested Percy.