I. ˈskrabəl verb
( scrabbled ; scrabbled ; scrabbling -b(ə)liŋ ; scrabbles )
Etymology: Dutch scrabbelen to scratch, paw the ground, from Middle Dutch, freq. of schrabben to scratch, perhaps alteration of schrapen to scrape — more at scrape
intransitive verb
1. : scrawl , scribble
scrabbled on the doors of the gate — 1 Sam 21:13 (Authorized Version)
2.
a. : to scratch or claw about clumsily or frantically
fell scrabbling in the dirt … crying “have mercy” — Rudyard Kipling
b. : to grope or search hastily or blindly
began to scrabble in her handbag for a handkerchief
3.
a. : to struggle for a foothold : scramble , clamber
six mules, by hard scrabbling, managed to pull the car out of the river — F.B.Gipson
b. : to struggle by or as if by scraping or scratching
scrabble for a living on a mountain farm
transitive verb
1. : to gather or make hastily by clutching or scraping
scrabbled up a supper out of leftovers
scrabbled a living as a part-time teacher and mechanic — Time
2. : to make scratching movements on
hens scrabbling the muddy cobbles — Dylan Thomas
or with
heard the dog scrabbling his nails on the door
3. : to mark with irregular lines or letters : scribble
II. noun
( -s )
1. : something scribbled or scrawled : scribble
2. : a repeated scratching or clawing
a scrabble of squirrels on the roof
3. : scramble
a scrabble for tickets to the game
a mad scrabble up the cliff