(tang′gəl) v. ·gled, ·gling v.t.
1. To twist or involve in a confused and not readily separable mass.
2. To complicate; ensnare as in a tangle; trap; enmesh.
—v.i.
3. To be or become entangled.
—to tangle with Colloq. To embroil oneself with.
—noun
1. A confused intertwining, as of threads or hairs; a snarl.
2. Hence, a state of confusion or complication; a jumbled mess.
3. A state of perplexity or bewilderment. [Nasalized var. of obs. tagle <Scand. Cf. dial. Sw. taggla disorder.]
—tan′gler noun

(tang′gəl) noun
1. An edible seaweed (genus Laminaria).
2. Scot. A tall, lean person. [<ON thöngull]