scuttle Definition

scuttle¹
noun

1. A container for holding coal, usually kept near a fire.

Form: coal scuttle (in full)
2. A shallow basket, especially one for holding vegetables, etc.

Derivative: scuttleful
noun

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon scutel, from Latin scutella tray.

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scuttle²
verb

intr
scuttled, scuttling
1. To move quickly with haste; to scurry.

Thesaurus: scurry, sprint, hurry, race, hasten, bustle, rush, scamper, scramble; Antonym: stroll.

noun

1. A scuttling pace or movement.

Etymology: 15c: related to scud.

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scuttle³
noun

1. A lidded opening in a ship's side or deck.

verb scuttled, scuttling

1. naut.
To deliberately sink (a ship) by making holes in it or by opening the lids of the scuttles.
Thesaurus: destroy, sink, submerge, abandon, dismantle.
2. To ruin or destroy (eg plans).

Etymology: 15c: from French escoutille hatchway.