scutter
UK: ˈskʌtə | US: ˈskʌtər
vi. to move quickly with short, hurried steps (like a small animal)
n. a rapid, scuttling movement or sound
scutter = scut<short tail/rapid movement> + er<agent suffix>
- scut: From Middle English scut (short tail, as of a hare or deer), likely imitative of quick, darting motion.
- er: Agentive suffix indicating "one who does" or "related to action."
Etymology Origin:
"Scutter" likely originated as an onomatopoeic or imitative word, blending scut (evoking quick, darting motion, as seen in animals like rabbits) with the -er suffix to form a verb/noun describing rapid, skittering movement. Its usage mirrors similar words like "scuttle" (to hurry) and "scurry," emphasizing brisk, light-footed motion.
The mice scuttered across the kitchen floor when the light turned on.
Leaves scuttered along the pavement in the autumn wind.
She heard a scutter in the attic, likely a squirrel.
The crab scuttered sideways into its burrow.
His pen scuttered across the page as he took frantic notes.