muzzle

The definition of a muzzle is the nose and mouth part of an animal, or a device that goes over the nose and mouth of an animal.

(noun)

  1. An example of a muzzle is a dog's snout.
  2. An example of a muzzle is a fabric instrument that goes over a dog's snout to prevent biting.

Muzzle is defined as to prevent from biting or making noise.

(verb)

An example of muzzle is to put your hand over someone's mouth.

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See muzzle in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

  1. the projecting part of the head of a dog, horse, etc., including the mouth, nose, and jaws; snout
  2. a device, as of straps, fastened over the mouth of an animal to prevent its biting or eating
  3. anything that prevents free speech or discussion
  4. the front end of the barrel of a firearm

Origin: ME mosel < OFr musel, snout, muzzle, dim. of mus < ML musum < ?

transitive verb muzzled, muzzling

  1. to put a muzzle on (an animal)
  2. to prevent from talking or expressing an opinion; gag

Related Forms:

See muzzle in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. The forward, projecting part of the head of certain animals, such as dogs, including the mouth, nose, and jaws; the snout.
  2. A leather or wire restraining appliance that, when fitted over an animal's snout, prevents biting and eating.
  3. The forward, discharging end of the barrel of a firearm.
  4. A restraint on free movement or expression: had a muzzle put on their high spirits.
transitive verb muz·zled, muz·zling, muz·zles
  1. To put a muzzle on (an animal).
  2. To restrain from expression: tried to muzzle the opposition.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English mosel

Origin: , from Old French musel

Origin: , from Medieval Latin mūsellum

Origin: , diminutive of mūsus, snout

Origin: , from Latin mūsum

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Related Forms:

  • muzˈzler noun

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