E*nig"ma (ē*nĭg"mȧ),
n.; pl. enigmas (-
mȧz). [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.
A custom was among the ancients of proposing an
enigma at festivals.
Pope.
2. An action, mode of action, or thing, which
cannot be satisfactorily explained; a puzzle; as, his conduct is an
enigma.