n. [ Norw., a whirlpool. ] 1. A celebrated whirlpool on the coast of Norway. Hence: any large or powerful whirlpool. Syn. -- whirlpool, vortex. [ 1913 Webster ]
2.Also (Fig.) An uncontrollable agitated or confusedly disordered state or situation; as, a maelstrom of vice. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]