n. & v.
--n.
1. a piece of cloth etc. thrust into or held over the mouth to prevent speaking or crying out, or to hold it open in surgery.
2 a joke or comic scene in a play, film, etc., or as part of a comedian's act.
3 an actor's interpolation in a dramatic dialogue.
4 a thing or circumstance restricting free speech.
5 a a joke or hoax. b a humorous action or situation.
6 an imposture or deception.
7 Parl. a closure or guillotine.
--v. (gagged, gagging)
1. tr. apply a gag to.
2 tr. silence; deprive of free speech.
3 tr. apply a gag-bit to (a horse).
4 a intr. choke or retch. b tr. cause to do this.
5 intr. Theatr. make gags.
Phrases and idioms:
gag-bit a specially powerful bit for horse-breaking. gag man a deviser or performer of theatrical gags.
Etymology: ME, orig. as verb: orig. uncert.