Scuffle

(skŭf′fl), n. [Sw. skufla, Dan. skufle, to push, shove, Sw. skuff, a push, Dan. skuffe, a drawer, a shovel, A-S. scuflan, to shove, push, thrust. See SHOVE, and cf. SHUFFLE.]

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 wrestling, which is a trial of strength and dexterity at arms' length.
2. Hence, 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.

3. A child's pinafore or bib. [Prov. Eng.]
4. A garden hoe. [Prov. Eng.] Halliwell.

v. i. [imp. & p. p. SCUFFLED; p. pr. & vb. n. SCUFFLING.]

1. To strive or struggle with close grapple, as two persons.
2. Hence, to strive or contend tumultuously; to struggle confusedly.

A gallant man would rather fight to great disadvantages in the field, in an orderly way, than scuffle with an undisciplined rabble. K. Charles.