baffle

Definitions

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.
   countable, uncountable
2. Intentional insult; affront; also, disgrace; (countable) an instance of this.
   obsolete, transitive, uncountable
3. A lever for operating the throttle valve of a winding engine.
   US, countable, dialectal, uncountable
4. A barrier designed to obstruct and confuse enemies, rendering them vulnerable.
   countable, uncountable
5. An argument or objection based on an ambiguity of wording or similar trivial circumstance; a minor complaint; a quibble.
   countable, obsolete

Equivalents

Examples

“sound⟳ baffle”

“Tanker trucks use⟳ baffles to keep⟳ the liquids inside from sloshing around.”

“As to Nonplus an Ariſtotle vvould look⟳, not only like⟳ a Slur to a particular Philoſopher, but like⟳ a Baffle to Philoſophy it ſelf.”

“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.”

CEFR level