Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Snaphance \Snap"hance`\, n. [D. snaphaan a gun, originally, the
   snapping cock of a gun. See {Snap}, and {Hen}.]
   1. A spring lock for discharging a firearm; also, the firearm
      to which it is attached. [Obs.]

   2. A trifling or second-rate thing or person. [Obs.]