Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SNARL, v.i. [G. schnarren, to snarl, to speak in the throat; D. snar, snappish. This word seems to be allied to gnarl, and to proceed from some root signifying to twist, bind, or fasten, or to involve, entangle, and thus to be allied to snare.]

1. To growl, as an angry or surly dog; to gnarl; to utter grumbling sounds; but it expresses more violence than grumble. That I should snarl and bite and play the dog. – Shak.
2. To speak roughly; to talk in rude, murmuring terms. It is malicious and unmanly to snarl at the little lapses of a pen, from which Virgil himself stands not exempted. – Dryden.