Meaning

noun a flat plate that controls or directs the flow of fluid or energy

verb be a mystery or bewildering to

verb hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of

originThe origin of the verb is uncertain; it is possibly: * from French bafouer, baffoüer (“to abuse, revile; to confuse, baffle; to deceive; to flout; to scorn”), imitative of someone making a disdainful sound by expelling air quickly through pouted lips (compare Occitan baf (interjection expressing disdain)); or * from French befer, beffer, beffler (“(obsolete) to deceive; to mock, ridicule”)…

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 3.0