Enigmas

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  enigma \e*nig"ma\ ([-e]*n[i^]g"m[.a]), n.; pl. {enigmas}
     ([-e]*n[i^]g"m[.a]z). [L. aenigma, Gr. a'i`nigma, fr.
     a'ini`ssesqai to speak darkly, fr. a'i^nos tale, fable.]
     1. A dark, obscure, or inexplicable saying; a riddle; a
        statement, the hidden meaning of which is to be discovered
        or guessed.


        [1913 Webster]
  
              A custom was among the ancients of proposing an
              enigma at festivals.                  --Pope.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. An action, mode of action, or thing, which cannot be
        satisfactorily explained; a puzzle; as, his conduct is an
        enigma. Enigmatic