SCUT'TLE, noun [L. scutella, a pan or saucer.] A broad shallow basket; so called from its resemblance to a dish. SCUT'TLE, noun 1. In ships, a small hatchway or opening in the deck, large enough to admit a man, and with a lid for covering it; also, a like hole in the side of a ship, and through the coverings of her hatchways, etc. 2. A square hole in the roof of a house, with a lid. 3. [from scud, and properly scuddle.] A quick pace; a short run. SCUT'TLE, verb intransitive To run with affected precipitation. SCUT'TLE, verb transitive [from the noun.] 1. To cut large holes through the bottom or sides of a ship for any purpose. 2. To sink by making holes through the bottom; as, to scuttle a ship.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI