Snatch, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Snatched; p. pr. & vb. n. Snatching.]
Etymology: [OE. snachen, snechen; akin to D. snakken to gasp, to long (for), to desire. Cf. Snack, n., Sneck.]
1. To take or seize hastily, abruptly, or without permission or ceremony; as, to snatch a loaf or a kiss. When half our knowledge we must snatch, not take. Pope.
2. To seize and transport away; to rap. "Snatch me to heaven." Thomson.
Syn. -- To twitch; pluck; grab; catch; grasp; gripe.
2 other Webster entries under this spelling
Snatch, v. i.
To attempt to seize something suddenly; to catch; -- often with at; as, to snatch at a rope.
Snatch, n.
1. A hasty catching or seizing; a grab; a catching at, or attempt to seize, suddenly.
2. A short period of vigorous action; as, a snatch at weeding after a shower. Tusser. They move by fits and snatches. Bp. Wilkins.
3. A small piece, fragment, or quantity; a broken part; a scrap. We have often little snatches of sunshine. Spectator. Leave me your snatches, and yield me a direct answer. Shak.