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.