Scuf"fle (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Scuffled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Scuffling (?).] [Freq. of scuff, v.i.; cf. Sw. skuffa to push, shove, skuff a push, Dan. skuffe a drawer, a shovel, and E. shuffle, shove. See Shove, and cf. Shuffle.]

1.

To strive or struggle with a close grapple; to wrestle in a rough fashion.

2.

Hence, to strive or contend tumultuously; to struggle confusedly or at haphazard.

A gallant man had rather fight to great disadvantage in the field, in an orderly way, than scuffle with an undisciplined rabble. Eikon Basilike.

 

© Webster 1913.


Scuf"fle, n.

1.

A rough, haphazard struggle, or trial of strength; a disorderly wrestling at close quarters.

2.

Hence, a confused contest; a tumultuous struggle for superiority; a fight.

The dog leaps upon the serpent, and tears it to pieces; but in the scuffle the cradle happened to be overturned. L'Estrange.

3.

A child's pinafore or bib.

[Prov. Eng.]

4.

A garden hoe.

[Prov. Eng.]

Halliwell.

 

© Webster 1913.