King James Bible Dictionary

(Heb. hodah). The oldest and, strictly speaking, the only example of a riddle was that propounded by Samson (Judges 14:12-18). The parabolic prophecy in Ezekiel 17:2-18 is there called a "riddle." It was rather, however, an allegory. The word "darkly" in 1 Corinthians 13:12 is the rendering of the Greek enigma; marg., "in a riddle."

Used as a test of wit:

At Samson's feast
Judges 14:12-18

By Agur
Proverbs 30:15-16; Proverbs 30:18-31
Parables; Proverbs

It is known that all ancient nations, and especially Orientals, were fond of riddles. The riddles which the queen of Sheba came to ask of Solomon, (1 Kings 10:1; 2 Chronicles 9:1) were rather "hard questions" referring to profound inquiries. Solomon is said, however, to have been very fond of riddles. Riddles were generally proposed in verse, like the celebrated riddle of Samson. (Judges 14:14-19)

RID'DLE, noun [See Cradle.]

An instrument for cleaning grain, being a large sieve with a perforated button, which permits the grain to pass through it, but retains the chaff.

RID'DLE, verb transitive To separate, as grain from the chaff with a riddle; as, to riddle wheat. [Note. The machines now used have nearly superseded the riddle ]

RID'DLE, noun [See Read.]

1. An enigma; something proposed for conjecture, or that is to be solved by conjecture; a puzzling question; an ambiguous proposition. Judges 14:12.

2. Any thing ambiguous or puzzling.

RID'DLE, verb transitive To solve; to explain; but we generally use unriddle, which is more proper.

Riddle me this, and guess him if you can.

RID'DLE, verb intransitive To speak ambiguously, obscurely or enigmatically.

RID'DLER, noun One who speaks ambiguously or obscurely.