riddle1
n.
a question or statement phrased so as to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer or meaning.
▸a person or thing that is difficult to understand.
v.
archaic speak in or pose riddles.
▸explain (a riddle) to.
Derivative
Etymology
OE rædels, rædelse ‘opinion, conjecture, riddle’; rel. to read.
riddle2
v.
- make many holes in, especially with gunshot.
▸fill or permeate with something undesirable:
the law is riddled with loopholes.
- pass through a riddle.
▸remove ashes or other unwanted material from (a fire or stove) with a sieve.
n.
a large coarse sieve, especially one for separating ashes from cinders or sand from gravel.
Etymology
OE hriddel, of Gmc origin.