Cultural History of Mazes
From Maze
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A labyrinth, and related senses. | A labyrinth, and related senses. | ||
| − | 4. a. A structure designed as a puzzle, consisting of a complicated network of winding and interconnecting paths or passages, only one of which is the correct route through; a labyrinth; (occas. in pl.) the windings of a labyrinth. Also (as in quot. 1903): a structure comprising two points joined by a single winding line much greater in length than the direct line between the two points. | + | :* A structure designed as a puzzle, consisting of a complicated network of winding and interconnecting paths or passages, only one of which is the correct route through; a labyrinth; (occas. in pl.) the windings of a labyrinth. Also (as in quot. 1903): a structure comprising two points joined by a single winding line much greater in length than the direct line between the two points. |
| − | + | :*In extended use: a complex network of paths or streets; a bewildering mass of things (material or immaterial), in which the individual components are difficult to separate or make out. In the 16th and 17th centuries often in to tread a maze, perh. with | |
| − | b. In extended use: a complex network of paths or streets; a bewildering mass of things (material or immaterial), in which the individual components are difficult to separate or make out. | ||
| − | In the 16th and 17th centuries often in to tread a maze, perh. with | ||
allusion to sense | allusion to sense | ||
</blockquote> | </blockquote> | ||
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<blockquote> | <blockquote> | ||
| − | A confusing and baffling network, as of paths or passages; an intricacy; a labyrinth. Quaint mazes on the wanton green." Shak. | + | :* A confusing and baffling network, as of paths or passages; an intricacy; a labyrinth. Quaint mazes on the wanton green." Shakespeare. |
| − | + | :* Or down the tempting maze of Shawford brook. Wordsworth. | |
| − | Or down the tempting maze of Shawford brook. Wordaworth. | + | :* The ways of Heaven are dark and intricate, Puzzled with mazes, and |
| − | The ways of Heaven are dark and intricate, Puzzled with mazes, and | ||
perplexed with error. Addison. | perplexed with error. Addison. | ||
| − | Syn. -- Labyrinth; intricacy. See Labyrinth. | + | Syn. -- Labyrinth; intricacy. See Labyrinth. |
Again, nothing there requires that the maze have a solution. | Again, nothing there requires that the maze have a solution. | ||
