Puz"zle (?), n. [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.

 

© Webster 1913.


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.

 

© Webster 1913.


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.

 

© Webster 1913.