Crossword Genius

Wild West gunfighter's haul: a muffler? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

earplug

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a muffler?' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Maybe you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'wild west gunfighter's haul' is the wordplay.
'wild west gunfighter' becomes 'earp' (I've seen this in another clue).
'haul' becomes 'lug' (I've seen this before).
'earp'+'lug'='EARPLUG'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for earplug that I've seen before include "affording protection for organ" , "Device to keep out noise" , "Hearing protector" , "Lug stopper?" , "Noise protector" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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