PUZZLE (2)

puzzle (2). Puzzle, v.t. to perplex, embarrass, confound

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Puz″zle, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Puzzled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Puzzling (?).] 1. 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. 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. 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.