A Quick and Simple Dictionary

muzzle

1. Noun.  the protruding part of many animal's head which includes nose, mouth and jaws; snout.
2. Noun.  the mouth or the end for entrance or discharge of a gun, pistol etc., that the bullet emerges from as opposed to the breech.
3. Noun.  a device used to prevent animal from biting or eating, which is worn on its snout.
4. Noun.  (chiefly, Scotland) a piece of the forward end of the plow-beam by which the traces are attached; bridle.
5. Noun.  (obsolete, 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.
6. Verb.  (transitive) To bind or confine animal's mouth by putting a muzzle, as to prevent it from eating or biting.
7. Verb.  (transitive, figuratively) To restrain (from speaking, expressing opinion or acting); gag, silence.
8. Verb.  (transitive, obsolete) To veil, mask, muffle.
9. Verb.  (transitive, obsolete) To fondle with the closed mouth; to nuzzle.
10. Verb.  (intransitive) To bring the muzzle or mouth near.