E*nig"ma (?), n.; pl. Enigmas (#). [L. aenigma, Gr. , fr. to speak darkly, fr. tale, fable.]

1.

A dark, obscure, or inexplicable saying; a riddle; a statement, the hidden meaning of which is to be discovered or guessed.

A custom was among the ancients of proposing an enigma at festivals. Pope.

2.

An action, mode of action, or thing, which cannot be satisfactorily explained; a puzzle; as, his conduct is an enigma.

 

© Webster 1913.