springe

American  

[sprinj] / sprɪndʒ /

noun

1. a snare for catching small game.

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verb (used with object)

springed, springing

1. to catch in a springe.

verb (used without object)

springed, springing

1. to set a springe or springes.

springe British  

/ sprɪndʒ /

noun

1. a snare set to catch small wild animals or birds and consisting of a loop attached to a bent twig or branch under tension

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verb

1. (intr) to set such a snare

2. (tr) to catch (small wild animals or birds) with such a snare

Etymology

Origin of springe

1200–50; Middle English, variant of sprenge a snare, literally, something that is made to spring, derivative of sprengen to make spring, Old English sprengan, causative of springan to spring

Example Sentences

Gospatrick! the wittol! the woodcock! looking at the springe, and then coolly putting his head therein.

From Hereward, the Last of the English by Kingsley, Charles

Thus had Amilcare been sold by his own purchase, and thus Grifone griped in his own springe.

From Little Novels of Italy by Hewlett, Maurice Henry

I tried the springe several times for rabbits, and found it answer; but the poacher cannot use it because it is so conspicuous.

From The Amateur Poacher by Jefferies, Richard

“Never tell me of your points of honour,” said Touchwood, raising his voice altogether above the general tone of polite conversation—“all humbug, Captain MacTurk—mere hair-traps to springe woodcocks—men of sense break through them.”

From St. Ronan's Well by Scott, Walter, Sir

You are now fairly trapped at last—caught like the woodcock in your own springe.

From Rookwood by Ainsworth, William Harrison