SHAMBLES

noun plural but singular or plural in construction Etymology: Middle English shameles, plural of schamel vendor's table, footstool, from Old English sceamol stool, from Latin scamillum, diminutive of scamnum stool, bench; perhaps akin to Sanskrit skambha pillar Date: 15th century a meat market, slaughterhouse , 3. a place of mass slaughter or bloodshed , a scene or a state of great destruction ; wreckage , c. a scene or a state of great disorder or confusion , great confusion ; mess