~ 1
■ noun
1》 a piece of cloth put in or over a person's mouth to prevent them from speaking.
2》 a device for keeping the patient's mouth open during a dental or surgical operation.
3》 a restriction on free speech.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ging , ~ged )
1》 put a ~ on.
↘prevent from speaking freely.
2》 choke or retch.
Origin
ME: perh. related to ON ~háls 'with the neck thrown back', or imitative of a person choking.
————————
~ 2
■ noun a joke or funny story, especially one forming part of a comedian's act.
■ verb tell jokes.
Origin
C19 (orig. theatrical sl.): of unknown origin.