scuffle

SCUF'FLE, n. [This is a different orthography of shuffle; from shove, or its root.]

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, v.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.