'To snub a cable' definitions:

Definition of 'To snub a cable'

From: GCIDE

Snub \Snub\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Snubbed; p. pr. & vb. n. Snubbing.] [Cf. Icel. ssnubba to snub, chide, Sw. snubba, Icel. snubb[=o]ttr snubbed, nipped, and E. snib.]
1. To clip or break off the end of; to check or stunt the growth of; to nop. [1913 Webster]
2. To check, stop, or rebuke, with a tart, sarcastic reply or remark; to reprimand; to check. --J. Foster. [1913 Webster]
3. To treat with contempt or neglect, as a forward or pretentious person; to slight designedly. [1913 Webster]
To snub a cable or To snub a rope (Naut.), to check it suddenly in running out. --Totten. [1913 Webster]