snifter
UK[ˈsnɪftə(r)]US[ˈsnɪftər]
n
a short-stemmed glass with a wide bowl and narrow top, used for drinking brandy or other strong alcoholic drinks.
n
a small amount of an alcoholic drink, especially brandy.
Etymology
the word 'snifter' originates in the early 19th century, evolving from the now-obsolete verb 'snift', meaning to sniff or snivel, which itself is an onomatopoeic formation imitating the sound of breathing in sharply through the nose. the connection to a drinking glass is believed to be due to the manner in which one inhales the aroma of a strong spirit from such a glass, often with a slight sniffing action. thus, the object's name is derived from the characteristic action associated with its use, transitioning from a verb describing a sound and action to a noun for a specialized vessel.
Analysis
this word is considered unsegmentable into meaningful morphemes within modern english spelling. it is derived from the verb 'snift', an obsolete or dialectal term meaning 'to sniff', which is of imitative origin, mimicking the sound of drawing air through the nose.
Examples
he swirled the brandy in his snifter before taking a slow sip.
the connoisseur offered me a snifter of fine aged cognac.
the detective in the old film was never without a snifter of whisky in his hand.