Enigma \E*nig"ma\, n.; pl. {Enigmas}. [L. aenigma, Gr. ?, fr. ?
to speak darkly, fr. ? 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.