gag1
n.
- a piece of cloth put in or over a person's mouth to prevent them from speaking.
- a device for keeping the patient's mouth open during a dental or surgical operation.
- a restriction on free speech.
v.
(gags, gagging, gagged)
- put a gag on.
▸prevent from speaking freely.
- choke or retch.
Etymology
ME: perh. rel. to ON gagháls ‘with the neck thrown back’, or imitative of a person choking.
gag2
n.
a joke or funny story, especially one forming part of a comedian's act.
v.
tell jokes.
Etymology
C19 (orig. theatrical sl.): of unknown origin.