What is "snivelling"

Snivel \Sniv"el\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Sniveledor Snivelled; p. pr. & vb. n. Sniveling or Snivelling.] [OE. snivelen, snevelen, snuvelen, freg. of sneven. See Sniff, and cf. Snuffle.]

1. To run at the nose; to make a snuffling noise.

2. To cry or whine with snuffling, as children; to cry weakly or whiningly.

   Put stop to thy sniveling ditty.
   --Sir W. Scott.

"mean-spirited, weak," 1640s, present-participle adjective from snivel (v.). Related: Snivellingly.

n. The act of producing a snivel. vb. (present participle of snivel English)

1. n. whining in a tearful manner [syn: sniveling]

2. the act of breathing heavily through the nose (as when the nose is congested) [syn: snuffle, sniffle]

3. v. talk in a tearful manner [syn: whine]

4. snuff up mucus through the nose [syn: snuffle]

5. cry or whine with snuffling; "Stop snivelling--you got yourself into this mess!" [syn: sniffle, blubber, blub, snuffle]

6. [also: snivelling, snivelled]

See snivel