SNEER, verb intransitive [from the root of Latin naris, nose; to turn up the nose.] 1. To show contempt by turning up the nose, or by a particular cast or countenance; 'naso suspendere adunco.' 2. To insinuate contempt by covert expression. I could be content to be a little sneered at. 3. To utter with grimace. 4. To show mirth awkwardly. SNEER, noun 1. A look of contempt, or a turning up of the nose to manifest contempt; a look of disdain, derision or ridicule. 2. An expression of ludicrous scorn.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI