from
The 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.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]