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.