Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SNEER, v.i. [from the root of L. naris, nose; to turn up the nose.]

1. To show contempt by turning up the nose, or by a particular cast of countenance; “naso suspendere adunco.”
2. To insinuate contempt by a covert expression. I could be content to be a little sneered at. – Pope.
3. To utter with grimace. – Congreve.
4. To show mirth awkwardly. – Tatler.