Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

         So ye grow squeamish, gods, and sniff at heaven. --M.
                                                  Arnold.