puzzle



From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:


puzzle \puz"zle\ (p[u^]z"z'l), 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.
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   2. The state of being puzzled; perplexity; as, to be in a
      puzzle.
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.



From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:


puzzle \puz"zle\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. puzzled (p[u^]z"z'ld);
   p. pr. & vb. n. puzzling (p[u^]z"zl[i^]ng).]
   1. To perplex; to confuse; to embarrass; to put to a stand;
      to nonplus.
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            A very shrewd disputant in those points is dexterous
            in puzzling others.                   --Dr. H. More.
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            He is perpetually puzzled and perplexed amidst his
            own blunders.                         --Addison.
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   2. To make intricate; to entangle.
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            They disentangle from the puzzled skein. --Cowper.
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            The ways of Heaven are dark and intricate,
            Puzzled in mazes, and perplexed with error.
                                                  --Addison.
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   3. To solve by ingenuity, as a puzzle; -- followed by out;
      as, to puzzle out a mystery.
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   Syn: To embarrass; perplex; confuse; bewilder; confound. See
        Embarrass.
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.



From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:


Puzzle \Puz"zle\, v. i.
   1. To be bewildered, or perplexed.
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            A puzzling fool, that heeds nothing.  --L'Estrange.
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   2. To work, as at a puzzle; as, to puzzle over a problem.
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