I. ˈməzəl noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English musell, mosel, from Middle French musel, diminutive of muse snout, muzzle, mouth of an animal, from Medieval Latin musus
1.
a. : the projecting jaws and nose of an animal (as a horse or dog) : snout — see cow illustration
b. : the human face or mouth
2.
a. : a fastening or covering (as a band or cage) for the mouth of an animal used to prevent eating or biting
b. : something that restricts, censors, or otherwise circumscribes natural or normal expression
a dictator's muzzle on the popular press
3. : the open end of an implement ; especially : the end of a weapon from which the projectile emerges — see cannon illustration
4. archaic : the clevis of a plow
[s]muzzle.jpg[/s] [
muzzle 2a
]
II. verb
( muzzled ; muzzled ; muzzling -z(ə)liŋ ; muzzles )
intransitive verb
dialect chiefly England : to push or root about with the muzzle
transitive verb
1. : to bind the muzzle of
muzzle a dog
2. : to restrain from expression (as by speech or action) : gag
muzzle freedom of speech
3. : to press or rub with the muzzle or snout : nuzzle
4. : to take in (sail)