A riddle is a coarse sieve commonly used to separate soil or compost particles. It can also separate stones, debris, or large materials from the soil. Also used to remove soil from vegetables. In English, "riddle" is derived from Middle English "ridelle," which means a coarse sieve, and is related to late Old English "hriddel," meaning a sieve. This term was altered by dissimilation from Old English hridder, a sieve.