puzzle

v. i. 1. To be bewildered, or perplexed. [ 1913 Webster ]

A puzzling fool, that heeds nothing. L'Estrange. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To work, as at a puzzle; as, to puzzle over a problem. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The state of being puzzled; perplexity; as, to be in a puzzle. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

A very shrewd disputant in those points is dexterous in puzzling others. Dr. H. More. [ 1913 Webster ]

He is perpetually puzzled and perplexed amidst his own blunders. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To make intricate; to entangle. [ 1913 Webster ]

They disentangle from the puzzled skein. Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ]

The ways of Heaven are dark and intricate,
Puzzled in mazes, and perplexed with error. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To solve by ingenuity, as a puzzle; -- followed by out; as, to puzzle out a mystery. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- To embarrass; perplex; confuse; bewilder; confound. See Embarrass. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The domain of puzzles; puzzles, collectively. C. Kingsley. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Having the head full of confused notions; given to getting perplexed over simple matters; also, characteristic of persons that are so. Johnson. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. The state of being puzzled; perplexity. Miss Mitford. [ 1913 Webster ]