beˈwildered, ppl. a.
[f. prec. + -ed1.]
1. Lost in pathless places, at a loss for one's way; fig. confused mentally.
| 1685 Dryden Lucretius ii. 11 (R.) Human-kind Bewilder'd in the maze of life, and blind. 1703 Maundrell Journ. Jerus. (1732) 142 We rambled about for seven hours thus bewildred. 1762 Beattie Triumph Mel. xli, The bewilder'd soul. 1810 Scott Lady of L. i. xv, Should each bewildered stranger call To friendly feast and lighted hall. 1843 J. Martineau Chr. Life (1857) 384 The new generation may grow up with bewildered vision. |
2. transf. Pathless, trackless, mazy; utterly confused or tangled.
| 1729 M. Browne Pisc. Eclog. vii. (1773) 96 And oft would to bewilder'd shades retire. 1820 Keats Hyperion iii. 9 Wandering in vain about bewilder'd shores. 1840 Carlyle Heroes i. 10 A bewildered heap of allegories. |