late 14c., "to snore," probably related to snore (v.). Meaning "breathe through the nose with a harsh sound" first recorded 1520s. Sense of "express contempt" is from 1818. Meaning "to inhale cocaine" is first attested 1935. Related: Snorted; snorting. American English snorter "something fierce or furious" is from 1833.
1808, "act of snorting," from snort (v.). Meaning "a drink of liquor" (especially whiskey) is from 1889.
To inhale narcotics, esp cocaine; sniff: since ma was a viper, and daddy would snort (1935+ Narcotics)
Related Terms[drinking sense fr earlier snorter of same purport]