baffler


baf·fle

B0024500 (băf′əl)tr.v. baf·fled, baf·fling, baf·fles 1. To confuse or perplex, especially so as to frustrate or prevent from taking action: a patient whose condition baffled the physicians.2. To impede the force or movement of (a fluid).n.1. A usually static device that regulates the flow of a fluid or light.2. A partition that prevents interference between sound waves in a loudspeaker.
[Perhaps blend of Scottish Gaelic bauchle, to denounce, revile publicly, and French bafouer, to ridicule.]
baf′fle·ment n.baf′fler n.