Skip to main content
snuffbox

snuffbox

1 9.9
A small decorative container for powdered tobacco kept in a pocket
  • noun
  • /ˈsnʌfˌbɑks/
  • Archaic
: cajita de rapé
  • Some men play with a glove, or a monocle, or a snuffbox.

Examples

  • No snuffbox, no deal.

  • In his left hand, Robespierre seems to be holding a snuffbox, and with his right, he gestures toward a lapdog.

    Academic text (2015)
  • Bringing out his snuffbox, he hit it with his second finger and opened it.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • But the old boy never seemed to regret it... although I do think he missed his snuffbox.

  • Colonel Ransome replaced his snuffbox in his coat pocket.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • Cost him six horses, a musket, uh... and his fancy gold snuffbox.

  • He reached into his pocket and took out a beautiful snuffbox decorated with intricate designs.

  • The collector proudly displayed his antique snuffbox at the exhibition, showcasing its exquisite craftsmanship.

  • She kept her favorite snuffbox close at hand, always ready to share with friends during gatherings.

Synonyms

box
vssnuffbox
∞ 1.0

A usually rectangular container with a lid for holding things or the amount it holds

is a small decorative pocket container for powdered tobacco use
matchbox
vssnuffbox
6 1.0

A small box that holds matches

stores powdered tobacco in a decorative, reusable pocket container
cigarette case
vssnuffbox
3 3.1

A small flat box for holding cigarettes in a pocket or purse

holds powdered tobacco in a small decorative pocket container
tobacco pouch
vssnuffbox
1 4.2

A small bag for carrying pipe tobacco

keeps powdered tobacco in a hard decorative pocket container
pillbox
vssnuffbox
1 3.7

A small container with separate sections for storing pills

holds powdered tobacco for personal use rather than medicine

How Ornate

jewel casket
1 6.1
casket
14 4.4
snuffbox
  • Archaic
1 9.9
pillbox
1 3.7
tin
55 1.0

Surface Forms

snuffbox singular
snuffboxes plural

Morphology

snuffbox = snuff + box (transparent) = snuff + box

The compound is a literal combination: a box used for holding snuff, so knowing 'snuff' and 'box' yields the meaning.

Etymology

Snuffbox is made of two parts, snuff and box; snuff was powdered tobacco people 'sniffed' through the nose. So a snuffbox is simply a small, often decorative box for carrying snuff, which is why many were kept in a pocket.