Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Scuffle
Scuf′fle
,Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Scuffled
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Scuffling
.] 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.
Scuf′fle
,Noun.
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 1828 Edition
Scuffle
SCUF'FLE
,Noun.
1. A contention or trial of strength between two persons, who embrace each other's bodies; a struggle with close embrace, to decide which shall throw the other; in distinction from from wrestling, which is a trial of strength and dexterity at arm's lenght. Among our common people, it is not unusual for two persons to commence a contest by wrestling, and at last close in, as it is called, and decide the contest by a scuffle.
2. A confused contest; a tumultuous struggle for victory or 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.
SCUF'FLE
,Verb.
I.
1. To strive or struggle with close embrace, as two men or boys,
2. To strive or contend tumultuously, as small parties.
A gallant man prefers to fight to great disadvantages in the field, in an orderly way, rather than to scuffle with an undisciplined rabble. K. Charles.