from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Scamper \Scam"per\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Scampered}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Scampering}.] [OF. escamper to escape, to save one's
self; L. ex from + campus the field (sc. of battle). See
{Camp}, and cf. {Decamp}, {Scamp}, n., {Shamble}, v. t.]
To run with speed; to run or move in a quick, hurried manner;
to hasten away. --Macaulay.
[1913 Webster]
The lady, however, . . . could not help scampering
about the room after a mouse. --S. Sharpe.
[1913 Webster]