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.
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.
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.
