1.A contrivance, often consisting of a noose of cord, or the like, by which a bird or other animal may be entangled and caught; a trap; a gin.
2.Hence, anything by which one is entangled and brought into trouble. "If thou retire, the Dauphin, well appointed, Stands with the snares of war to tangle thee."
3.The gut or string stretched across the lower head of a drum.
4.(Med.) An instrument, consisting usually of a wireloop or noose, for removing tumors, etc., by avulsion.
