Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - muzzle

 I. noun  Etymology: Middle English mosel, from Middle French musel, from Old French *mus mouth of an animal, from Medieval Latin musus  Date: 15th century  1. the projecting jaws and nose of an animal ; snout  2.  a. a fastening or covering for the mouth of an animal used to prevent eating or biting  b. something (as censorship) that restrains normal expression  3. the open end of an implement; especially the discharging end of a weapon  II. transitive verb  (~d; muzzling)  Date: 15th century  1. to fit with a ~  2.  a. gag ~d the regime's critics  b. restrain, restrict the Pentagon's efforts to ~ press access — Joe Strupp the low prices ~d competition  • ~r noun