Puzzle \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Puzzle \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)