Sniff \Sniff\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Sniffed}or {Snift}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Sniffing}.] [OE. sneven; akin to snivel, snuff; cf. Dan. snive to sniff. See {Snuff}, v. t.] To draw air audibly up the nose; to snuff; -- sometimes done as a gesture of suspicion, offense, or contempt. [1913 Webster] So ye grow squeamish, gods, and sniff at heaven. --M. Arnold. [1913 Webster]
Sniffing \Sniff"ing\, n. (Physiol.) A rapid inspiratory act, in which the mouth is kept shut and the air drawn in through the nose. [1913 Webster]