from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Scuffle \Scuf"fle\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Scuffled}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Scuffling}.] [Freq. of scuff, v.i.; cf. Sw. skuffa to
push, shove, skuff a push, Dan. skuffe a drawer, a shovel,
and E. shuffle, shove. See {Shove}, and cf. {Shuffle}.]
1. To strive or struggle with a close grapple; to wrestle in
a rough fashion.
[1913 Webster]
2. Hence, to strive or contend tumultuously; to struggle
confusedly or at haphazard.
[1913 Webster]
A gallant man had rather fight to great disadvantage
in the field, in an orderly way, than scuffle with
an undisciplined rabble. --Eikon
Basilike.
[1913 Webster]