Hel"ter-skel"ter (?), adv. [An onomatpoetic word. Cf. G. holter-polter, D. holder de bolder.]
In hurry and confusion; without definite purpose; irregularly.
[Colloq.]
Helter-skelter have I rode to thee.
Shak.
A wistaria vine running helter-skelter across the roof.
J. C. Harris.
© Webster 1913.