rappee

American  

[ra-pee] / ræˈpi /

noun

1. a strong snuff made from dark, rank tobacco leaves.

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rappee British  

/ ræˈpiː /

noun

1. a moist English snuff of the 18th and 19th centuries

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Etymology

Origin of rappee

1730–40; < French râpé grated (past participle of râper ); see rape ³

Example Sentences

"I have no opinion, Lachie," said the old man, snuffing rappee with the butt of an egg-spoon and spilling the brown dust in sheer nervousness over the night-shirt bulging above the band of his breeks.

From John Splendid The Tale of a Poor Gentleman, and the Little Wars of Lorn by Munro, Neil

Like other great men, this Pasha makes a great consumption of rappee, and empties nearly a box a-day. 10th.—The military seem to have taken a fancy to us.

From Narrative of a Mission to Central Africa Performed in the Years 1850-51, Volume 1 Under the Orders and at the Expense of Her Majesty's Government by Richardson, James

For myself, sir," said the Colonel, snuff-box open in hand, for he had been surprised with the rappee between his fingers, "I am ready to go on.

From The Yeoman Adventurer by Gough, George W.

Open it carefully, if you please! and you will behold the genuine rappee, the very particles over which France fought with Austria.

From Corporal Sam and Other Stories by Quiller-Couch, Arthur Thomas, Sir

In the course of time, she became the wife of one worthy of her in every respect—their lovely children often sportively carrying off the ponderous box of brown rappee, and yet Uncle Budge never frowning.

From Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, No. 448 Volume 18, New Series, July 31, 1852 by Chambers, William