Muzzle

Leather or iron cage fitted over a dog’s or beast’s snout and secured with straps around the head, preventing the animal from biting or feeding while under control. A well-fitted muzzle allows the creature to breathe and drink but restricts its jaws; a loose one is useless and an ill-fitting one causes sores. Kennel masters, guards, and hunters managing vicious or straying hounds rely on muzzles to prevent bites and mayhem.