Snell definition

snell "quick, fast" from snell "lively, quick". Akin to O.H.G. snel (Cf German schnell "quick"), O.N. snjallr "skillful, excellent".

Active, brisk or nimble; Lively.

He is a remarkably snell young lad.
Quick; Sharp.

That horny-handed, snell, peremptory little man. --Dr. J. Brown.
Quick-witted; Witty.

a snell reply
Harsh; Severe.

The storm produced a snell gust of wind.

A short line of horsehair, gut, monofilament, etc., by which a fishhook is attached to a longer (and usually heavier) line.