I'm reading an essay by Rusking "Sesame and Lillies" . He uses the word "smatch" in a way
I do not understand.

" We may intrude
ten minutes’ talk on a cabinet minister, answered probably with
words worse than silence, being deceptive; or snatch, once or
twice in our lives, the privilege of throwing a bouquet in the path
of a Princess, or arresting the kind glance of a Queen. "

Comments, please.