from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Sneeze \Sneeze\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Sneezed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Sneezing}.] [OE. snesen; of uncertain origin; cf. D. snuse
to sniff, E. neese, and AS. fne['o]san.]
To emit air, chiefly through the nose, audibly and violently,
by a kind of involuntary convulsive force, occasioned by
irritation of the inner membrane of the nose.
[1913 Webster]
{Not to be sneezed at}, not to be despised or contemned; not
to be treated lightly. [Colloq.] "He had to do with old
women who were not to be sneezed at." --Prof. Wilson.
[1913 Webster]