Dictionary entry

Scuffle

Webster's Dictionary 1913

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.