An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/schnauben

by Friedrich Kluge

schnauben, vb., ‘to snort,’ from MidHG. (MidG.) snûben, ‘to snore’; comp. Du. snuiven, ‘to snort.’ From the corresponding Du. snûven is usually derived ModHG. schnaufeu, which, however, may come from MidHG. snûfen, ‘to snuff.’ The Teut. root is snupp, snū̆f, snū̆b. Comp. Schnupfen.