bit off laugh

[krisstte]

Does "bit off a laugh" here mean "bit back laughter"?

“Where are you staying?” Brendan asked. The sisters both pointed up at the ceiling. Brendan bit off a laugh. “Really?”

This whole situation was absurd. If they thought the bar was in shambles they hadn’t seen anything yet. They—especially her—wouldn’t last the night in Westport. At least not without checking in to one of the inns.

T. Bailey "It Happened One Summer"

 

[Tarheel]

He stifled a laugh.