“Stymie” was a golfing term, obsolete since 1952. A player was laid “a stymie” if, on the putting green, the opponent’s ball fell in the line of his path to the hole (providing the balls were not within 6″ of each other). To hole-out could only be achieved by a very difficult lofting stroke. Hence several still current expressions: “A Stymie” is a frustrating situation a discouragingly difficult position and, “to be stymied” is to be in such a position and, “to stymie” is to hinder or thwart, also to put one in the position of having to negotiate.
Vardre Deganwy Crown Green Bowling Club 