Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Scramble?

\Scram"ble\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Scrambled}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Scrambling}.] [Freq. of Prov. E. scramb to rake together with the hands, or of scramp to snatch at. cf. {Scrabble}.] 1. To clamber with hands and knees; to scrabble; as, to scramble up a cliff; to scramble over the rocks. 2. To struggle eagerly with others for something thrown upon the ground; to go down upon all fours to seize something; to catch rudely at what is desired. Of other care they little reckoning make, Than how to scramble at the shearer's feast. --Milton.
\Scram"ble\, v. t. 1. To collect by scrambling; as, to scramble up wealth. --Marlowe. 2. To prepare (eggs) as a dish for the table, by stirring the yolks and whites together while cooking.
\Scram"ble\, n. 1. The act of scrambling, climbing on all fours, or clambering. 2. The act of jostling and pushing for something desired; eager and unceremonious struggle for what is thrown or held out; as, a scramble for office. Scarcity [of money] enhances its price, and increases the scramble. --Locke.