ˈbæfl v. & n. --v.tr. 1
confuse or
perplex (a
person, one's faculties, etc.). 2 a
frustrate or hinder (plans etc.). b
restrain or
regulate the progress of (fluids, sounds, etc.). --n. (also baffle-plate) a
device used to restrain the
flow of
fluid,
gas,
etc.,
through an
opening,
often found in microphones etc. to regulate the
emission of
sound. øbaffle-board a device to
prevent sound
from spreading in
different directions,
esp.
round a
loudspeaker cone. øøbafflement n. baffling adj. bafflingly adv. [perh. rel. to F bafouer
ridicule, OF beffer mock]