gag1
¦ noun
1. a piece of cloth put in or over a person's mouth to prevent them from speaking.
2. a device for keeping the patient's mouth open during a dental or surgical operation.
3. a restriction on free speech.
¦ verb (gags, gagging, gagged)
1. put a gag on.
prevent from speaking freely.
2. choke or retch.
Origin
ME: perh. related to ON gaghals 'with the neck thrown back', or imitative of a person choking.
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gag2
¦ noun a joke or funny story, especially one forming part of a comedian's act.
¦ verb tell jokes.
Origin
C19 (orig. theatrical sl.): of unknown origin.