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. baffle-board a device to prevent sound from spreading in different directions, esp. round a loudspeaker cone. bafflement n. baffling adj. bafflingly adv.
[ perh. rel. to F bafouer ridicule, OF beffer mock ]