scuffle
verb (used without object)
to struggle or fight in a rough, confused manner.
had scuffled
-
past perfectof scuffle.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Swearingen’s lawyers then focused on the blood flakes and DNA found under Trotter’s fingernails, seemingly indicating someone other than Swearingen had scuffled with Trotter before her death.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 17, 2019
Legislators in nearly every state this year proposed measures stemming from the Aug. 9 fatal shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed black 18-year-old who had scuffled with a white officer in Ferguson, Missouri.
From Washington Times ● Oct. 3, 2015
Seattle's offense had scuffled since Wilhelmsen blew that ninth-inning save against the Twins and still had trouble getting going at times in this game.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 4, 2013
He fought back; his own Jim Wells County grand jury indicted two Rangers with whom he had scuffled on a charge of assault with intent to murder.
From Time Magazine Archive
He came and stood beside her and looked out at the marks on the snow where the birds had scuffled, and at the yew trees' burdened, white and black branches.
From The Rainbow by D. H. (David Herbert) Lawrence
