I. ˈskra-bəl verb
( scrab·bled ; scrab·bling -b(ə-)liŋ)
Etymology: Dutch schrabbelen to scratch
Date: 1537
intransitive verb
1. : scrawl , scribble
2. : to scratch, claw, or grope about clumsily or frantically
3.
a. : scramble , clamber
b. : to struggle by or as if by scraping or scratching
scrabble for survival
transitive verb
1. : scramble
2. : scribble
• scrab·bler -b(ə-)lər noun
II. noun
Date: 1794
1. : scramble
2. : scribble
3. : a repeated scratching or clawing