Sekirov Dictionary

muzzle

/ˈmʌzəl/

noun 6
verb 5
forms 5

noun6

•
The protruding part of an animal's head which includes the nose, mouth and jaws.
- The yellow fog that rubs its back upon the window-panes, / The yellow smoke that rubs its muzzle on the window-panes, […] — 1915
(slang, offensive) A person's mouth.
The mouth or the end for entrance or discharge of a gun, pistol etc., that the bullet emerges from.
A device used to prevent an animal from biting or eating, which is worn on its snout.
(Scotland) A piece of the forward end of the plow-beam by which the traces are attached.
(no longer used, historical) An openwork covering for the nose, used for the defense of the horse, and forming part of the bards in the 15th and 16th centuries.

verb5

•
To bind or confine an animal's mouth by putting a muzzle, as to prevent it from eating or biting.
- Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn. — 1611
•
(figurative) To restrain (from speaking, expressing opinion or acting); to gag; to silence; to censor.
- Those who want to muzzle everyone else are likely nothing less than pseudovirtuous.
•
To bring the muzzle or mouth near.
- The Bear comes directly up to him, Muzzles and Smells to him. — 1692
•
(no longer used) To fondle with the closed mouth; to nuzzle.
- Venus her self would sit Muzzling and Gazing them in the Eyes — 1692
(no longer used) To veil, mask, muffle.

forms

muzzled · muzzling · muzzles · muzzleth · muzzlest

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