n. & v.
--n.
1. a small pool, esp. of rainwater on a road etc.
2 clay and sand mixed with water and used as a watertight covering for embankments etc.
3 a circular patch of disturbed water made by the blade of an oar at each stroke.
--v.
1. tr. a knead (clay and sand) into puddle. b line (a canal etc.) with puddle.
2 intr. make puddle from clay etc.
3 tr. stir (molten iron) to produce wrought iron by expelling carbon.
4 intr. a dabble or wallow in mud or shallow water. b busy oneself in an untidy way.
5 tr. make (water etc.) muddy.
6 tr. work (mixed water and clay) to separate gold or opal.
Derivatives:
puddler n. puddly adj.
Etymology: ME podel, puddel, dimin. of OE pudd ditch