muffling

1 definition found

muffling - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Muffle \Muf"fle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Muffled; p. pr. & vb. n.
     Muffling.] [Cf. F. moufle a mitten, LL. muffula, OD. moffel
     a muff. See Muff.]
     1. To wrap up in something that conceals or protects; to
        wrap, as the face and neck, in thick and disguising folds;
        hence, to conceal or cover the face of; to envelop; to
        inclose; -- often with up. --South.
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              The face lies muffled up within the garment.
                                                    --Addison.
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              He muffled with a cloud his mournful eyes. --Dryden.
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              Muffled up in darkness and superstition.
                                                    --Arbuthnot.
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     2. To prevent seeing, or hearing, or speaking, by wraps bound
        about the head; to blindfold; to deafen.
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     3. To wrap or fit with something that dulls or deadens the
        sound of; as, to muffle the strings of a drum, or that
        part of an oar which rests in the rowlock; to muffle the
        exhaust of a motor vehicle.
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