Riddling

rid·dle ¹  (rdl)

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.

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[Middle English ridelen, to sift, from riddil, sieve, from Old English hriddel; see krei- in Indo-European roots.]

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riddler n.

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rid·dle ²  (rdl)

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.

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[Middle English redels, from Old English rdels; see ar- in Indo-European roots.]

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riddler n.