The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Snaphance \Snap"hance`\, n. [D. snaphaan a gun, originally, the
   snapping cock of a gun. See Snap, and Hen.]
   1. A spring lock for discharging a firearm; also, the firearm
      to which it is attached. [Obs.]
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A trifling or second-rate thing or person. [Obs.]
      [1913 Webster]