ETYM Cf. lg. muff, Dutch mof, German, Dan., and Swed. muff, French moufle mitten, Late Lat. muffula, Mid. High Germ. mouwe sleeve, Dutch mouw, and Eng. muffle, v.
1. A warm tubular covering for the hands.
2. A bungling performance.
3. A failure to hold a ball in attempting a catch.

1. To handle awkwardly; bungle
2. To fail to hold (a ball) when attempting a catch
3. To fail to catch, as of a ball.
4. To act or do something stupidly or clumsily
5. To muff a ball — compare fumble