Snare

(4), n. [Dan. snare, Sw. & Icel. snara, L. Ger. snirre, snare; O. H. Ger. snare, sner, a string, snarahha, a noose, Dan. snor, Sw. snōre, Icel. snūra, L. Ger. snoor, D. snoer, O. H. Ger. snuor, N. H. Ger. schnur, Goth. snorjo, a string.]

1. A contrivance consisting often of a noose of cords, or the like, by which a bird or other living creature may be entangled; a trap; a catch; a wile.
2. Hence, any thing by which one is entangled and brought into trouble.

The snares of war do tangle thee. Shak. 3. The gut or string stretched across the lower head of a drum. Snare-drum, the smaller, common military drum, as distinguished from the bass-drum;—so called because (in order to render it more resonant) there is stretched across its lower head a catgut string, or collection of strings. Bell.