"That's a great deal to make one word mean," Alice said in a thoughtful tone. "When I make a word do a lot of work like that," said Humpty Dumpty, "I always pay it extra."

Sunday 13 September 2009

Baffle

 
To baffle means to perplex, be a mystery or bewildering to, thwart, hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of.

Meanwhile, a baffle is a flat plate that controls or directs the flow of fluid or energy.

But my favourite definition of a baffle is a medieval punishment or degradation by which a cowardly knight is hung up by his heels - either in real life or as an effigy.
 

1 comment:

  1. Ouch! I think I will definitely prefer to be confused in future!
    :0) The Canadian Chickadee

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