riddling


rid·dle 1

R0237700 (rĭd′l)tr.v. rid·dled, rid·dling, rid·dles 1. To pierce with numerous holes; perforate: riddle a target with bullets.2. To spread throughout: "Election campaigns have always been riddled with demagogy and worse" (New Republic).3. To put (gravel, for example) through a coarse sieve.n. A coarse sieve, as for gravel.
[Middle English ridelen, to sift, from riddil, sieve, from Old English hriddel; see krei- in Indo-European roots.]
rid′dler n.

rid·dle 2

R0237700 (rĭd′l)n.1. A question or statement requiring thought to answer or understand; a conundrum.2. One that is perplexing; an enigma.v. rid·dled, rid·dling, rid·dles v.tr. To solve or explain.v.intr.1. To propound or solve riddles.2. To speak in riddles.
[Middle English redels, from Old English rǣdels; see ar- in Indo-European roots.]
rid′dler n.