ɡæɡ 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. øgag-bit a specially
powerful bit
for horse-breaking. gag
man a deviser or performer of
theatrical gags. [ME, orig. as
verb: orig. uncert.]