Definition of muff

The word "muff" originally referred to a type of medieval armor used to protect a knight's hands. The armor, known as a manus or muffe, was made of leather or metal and had a long gauntlet to facilitate gripping weapons and objects. The use of muffe to describe hand armor evolved in the 16th century to muff, which referred to a then-new item: a cover to be placed over the end of a gun barrel to prevent the shooter's hands from becoming too hot or burnt. These early muffs were made of fur or leather and were widely used by hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts. As the use of firearms became more prevalent, muffs were adapted to include a loop or handle for gripping the weapon during loading and warmer weather. This new accessory, called a muff hand warmer, has gone on to become the modern-day muff we know today. In the early 20th century, the word "muff" also came to describe a small kapok or GORE-TEX-lined bag used to protect the hands from cold weather elements. This accessory, initially popular among skiers and mountaineers, was adapted into a wider range of items, including the classic baked goods known as muffins, which are cooked in a compact, cup-shaped container resembling a muff hand warmer. Overall, the evolution of the word "muff" from a type of armor to a variety of items used to protect and warm the hands is a testament to the versatility and utility of human invention and innovation.