Definition of "snort"

"I absolutely refuse to leave, however, until we have made at least a superficial examination of this country, and are able to take back with us something in the nature of a chart." Professor Summerlee gave a snort of impatience.

1912, Arthur Conan Doyle, The Lost World […], London, New York, N.Y.: Hodder and Stoughton

She unlocked the top drawer of the roll-top desk, took out a bottle and a glass and poured herself a snort.

1945, John Steinbeck, Cannery Row

Everybody tipped up the jug and took a snort of whisky and followed it with a gourd of cool water. We thought a snort of whisky now and then braced us up some and put a little more lift in us.

1951, Indiana Historical Society Publications, volumes 16-17, page 157

"It won't buy you any wine," Paxton told him."I know that," the drunk replied in an insulted tone. "It's a pussy pass, ain't it?"Paxton grinned wearily. "How would you know that? You'd rather have a snort than a screw any day."

1978, George G. Gilman, Edge: Red River, Pinnacle Books, page 45

Disembarkation seemed a slow business. From the deck one watched a "Merchant Navy" Pacific drift lazily along the track beside the wall of the Marine Station, and little South Eastern tanks go snorting fussily about.

1946 January and February, 'Talisman', “Bückeburg to Aberayron”, in Railway Magazine, page 41

Back in 2018, the body representing the water industry was snorting at Gove’s aspersions, declaring hotly that it looked forward to its pet regulator “bringing some sorely needed facts and balance to the debate”.

2023 June 30, Marina Hyde, “The tide is coming in fast on Rishi Sunak – and it’s full of sewage”, in The Guardian‎

the snorting citizens

c. 1603–1604 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Othello, the Moore of Venice”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, [Act I, scene i]