Category:Puzzle

Puz"zle, n. Etym: [for opposal, in the sense of problem. See oppose, Pose, v.]

1. Something which perplexes or embarrasses; especially, a toy or a Problem contrived for testing ingenuity; also, something exhibiting Marvelous skill in making.

2. The state of being puzzled; perplexity; as, to be in a puzzle.

Puzzle Puz"zle, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Puzzled; p. pr. & vb. n. Puzzling.]

1. To perplex; to confuse; to embarrass; to put to a stand; to Nonplus. A very shrewd disputant in those points is dexterous in puzzling Others. Dr. H. More. He is perpetually puzzled and perplexed amidst his own blunders. Addison.

2. To make intricate; to entangle. They disentangle from the puzzled skein. Cowper. The ways of heaven are dark and intricate, puzzled in mazes, and Perplexed with error. Addison.

3. To solve by ingenuity, as a puzzle; -- followed by out; as, to Puzzle out a mystery.

Syn. -- to embarrass; perplex; confuse; bewilder; confound. See Embarrass.

Puzzle Puz"zle, v. i.

1. To be bewildered, or perplexed. A puzzling fool, that heeds nothing. L'estrange.

2. To work, as at a puzzle; as, to puzzle over a problem.