Scät'ter1, v. t.
v. t. [imp. & p. p. SCATTERED; p. pr. & vb. n. SCATTERING.] [A-S. scateran, allied to sceadan, to shed. Cf. SHATTER and SHED.]
Sense 1. To strow about; to sprinkle around; to throw down loosely; to deposit here and there, in an open or thin order.
Why should my muse enlarge on Libyan swains, Their scattered cottages, and ample plains? Dryden.
Teach the glad hours to scatter, as they fly, Soft quiet, gentle love, and endless joy. Prior.
Sense 2. To cause to separate in different directions; to reduce from compact to loose or broken order; to dissipate; to disperse.
Scatter and disperse the giddy Goths. Shak.
Sense 3. Hence, to frustrate, disappoint, and overthrow; as, to scatter hopes, plans, and the like.
Synonyms—To disperse; dissipate; spread; strew; sprinkle.