D defs.my
Entry 6 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Scuffle

/skŭf'-əl/ · Scuf·fle · IPA /ˈskʌfəl/
01 v. i. To strive or struggle with a close grapple; to wrestle in a rough fashion.
imp. & p. p. Scuffled; p. pr. & vb. n. Scuffling
  1. 1.
    To strive or struggle with a close grapple; to wrestle in a rough fashion.
  2. 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.
02 n. A rough, haphazard struggle, or trial of strength; a disorderly wrestling at close quarters.
  1. 1.
    A rough, haphazard struggle, or trial of strength; a disorderly wrestling at close quarters.
  2. 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. 3.
    A child's pinafore or bib.[Prov. Eng.]
  4. 4.
    A garden hoe.[Prov. Eng.]