snape v.

also sneap, "to be hard upon, rebuke, revile, snub," early 14c., snaipen, from Old Norse sneypa "to outrage, dishonor, disgrace," which is probably related to similar-sounding words meaning "cut" (compare snip (v.)).

The verb meaning "bevel the end (of a timber) to fit an inclined surface" is of uncertain origin or connection. Snaiping (n.) "rebuking, reproaching, reviling" is attested from early 14c. Shakespeare has sneaped birds, annoyed by a late frost ("Rape of Lucrere").