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scuffle definition

scuf·fle (skuf′əl)

intransitive verb scuffled -·fled, scuffling -·fling

  1. to struggle or fight in rough confusion
  2. to move in a confused hurry or bustle
  3. to drag the feet; shuffle
  4. ☆ Informal to try hard but with little or no success; specif., to struggle to survive

Etymology: freq. of scuff

noun

  1. a rough, confused fight; close, haphazard struggle
  2. the act or sound of feet shuffling

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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