An air carrier crew was told by MHT ATC that they may have crossed the Runway 17 hold short line on Taxiway E. The crew disputes ATC's claim. However; the reporter believes that the runway hold short and taxiway marking could be clearer.

Narrative

MHT ATIS 150/08 VIS 2-RA 007BKN 012OVC ALT 30.16 Departure Runway 17. Runway and taxiways clear; snow piled on all non-movement areas. Check Airman in right seat. On taxi out at Manchester (MHT); Ground Control instructed us to taxi to Runway 17 via Delta and Hotel hold short of Runway 17 on Delta. MHT Ground Control revised clearance to 'turn left on Alpha and hold short of Runway 17 on Bravo.' Pilot flying followed instructions exactly and turned right on Bravo and held well short of Runway 17. Ground Control then issued clearance to 'cross Runway 17 at Bravo and left on Hotel hold short of Runway 24.' No conflict with other aircraft at anytime. Ground Control indicated that we might have crossed the hold short line for Runway 17 on Bravo. From my perspective I followed instructions correctly and held short of Runway 17 on Bravo. I recommend better taxiway lighting; paint; and markings. Also; a warning note on airport page. ATC phraseology can be clearer for example 'taxi on Alpha and hold short of Bravo' if indeed there is not enough room to make the turn onto Bravo.Supplemental info from ACN 826856: Ground Control indicated we may have encroached on the hold short line for Runway 17 on Bravo. We followed instructions exactly and held short of Runway 17 on Bravo. Snow was obscuring some taxiway lights and there was at least 12 inches on side of taxiway. Possibly better taxiway lighting for hold short (wig/wag). ATC phraseology could be improved (i.e. hold short of Taxiway Bravo instead of 'hold short of Runway 17 on Bravo.' A note indicating where the hold short line is for Bravo might be helpful.