Maze
Origin
Middle English mase, from an aphetic variant of Middle English masen ("to perplex, bewilder"), or perhaps from Old English *mæs "delusion, bewilderment". Akin to Old English Ämasian ("to perplex, confound"), Icelandic masa ("to chatter"). More at amaze.
Full definition of maze
Noun
maze
(plural mazes)- A labyrinth; a puzzle consisting of a complicated network of paths or passages, the aim of which is to find one's way.
- 2012, May 30, Hayley Spurway, Top 10 family days out in south Devon, There's plenty for toddlers too: experience the Wild West in Bear City, play with sand diggers, splash in the paddling pool and discover meerkats, reptiles and alpacas in the Zoo-Farm. Rain doesn't stop play, just head for the indoor fun factory with a rocking and rolling tugboat, mirror maze, ferris wheel and soft play.
- Something made up of many confused or conflicting elements; a tangle.
- 1907, w, The Dust of Conflict Chapter 1, A beech wood with silver firs in it rolled down the face of the hill, and the maze of leafless twigs and dusky spires cut sharp against the soft blueness of the evening sky.
- 2009‎, ‎May 11, Nation's largest desal project faces financing hurdles, The project developer, Poseidon Resources Corp., has been winding its way through a maze of state and local agencies for six years
- Confusion of thought; perplexity; uncertainty; state of bewilderment.
- 1580, w, The Complete Works of John Lyly Chapter Euphues and His England, But first they came to Canterbury, an olde Citie, somewhat decayed, yet beautiful to behold, most famous for a Cathedrall Church, the very Maiestie whereoff, stroke them into a maze, where they saw many monuments, and heard tell of greater, then either they euer saw, or easely would beleeue.