muf·fle 1  (m ŭf əl)
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tr.v. muf·fled, muf·fling, muf·fles 1. To wrap up, as in a blanket or shawl, for warmth, protection, or secrecy. 2. a. To wrap or pad in order to deaden the sound: muffled the drums. b. To deaden (a sound): The sand muffled the hoofbeats. 3. To make vague or obscure: "His message was so muffled by learning and 'artiness'" (Walter Blair). 4. To repress; stifle. n.1. Something that muffles. 2. A kiln or part of a kiln in which pottery can be fired without being exposed to direct flame.
[Middle English muflen, possibly from Old French mofler, to stuff, from mofle, glove; see MUFF2.] |
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Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices
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