baffles

Noun (1)

baffle (countable and uncountable, plural baffles)

1. A device used to dampen, muffle, restrain, or otherwise control the movement of a fluid, or waves travelling through a fluid such as light or sound; specifically, a surface positioned inside an open area to inhibit direct motion from one place to another without preventing motion altogether.
   • Tanker trucks use baffles to keep the liquids inside from sloshing around.
2. (US, dialectal, coal mining) A lever for operating the throttle valve of a winding engine.
3. A device to prevent the spreading of sound or light.
   • sound baffle
4. A barrier designed to obstruct and confuse enemies, rendering them vulnerable.
5. (countable, obsolete) An argument or objection based on an ambiguity of wording or similar trivial circumstance; a minor complaint; a quibble.
   • As to Nonplus an Ariſtotle vvould look, not only like a Slur to a particular Philoſopher, but like a Baffle to Philoſophy it ſelf.1661 December 19 (date delivered; Gregorian calendar); first published 1698, Robert South, “False Foundations Removed, and True Ones Laid for such Wise Builders as Design to Build for Eternity. In a...

Noun (2)

baffle (countable and uncountable, plural baffles)

1. (obsolete, transitive, uncountable) Intentional insult; affront; also, disgrace; (countable) an instance of this.
   • Novv that you intend to trail a Pike, and make Profeſſion of Arms, let me give you this Caveat, that nothing muſt be more precious to you than your Reputation. […] If you get but once handſomely off, you are made ever after; for you vvill be free from all Baffles and Affronts.1634 August 12 (Gregorian calendar), James Howell, “XIV. To My Cousin Mr. J. P. at Gravesend.”, in Epistolæ Ho-Elianæ. Familiar Letters Domestic and Forren. […], 3rd edition, volume II, London: […]...

See all 16 meanings of baffle