scut·tle¹ / ˈskətl/ • n. (in full coal scut·tle) a metal container with a sloping hinged lid and a handle, used to fetch and store coal for a domestic fire. ∎  the amount of coal held in such a container: carrying endless scuttles of coal up from the cellar.scut·tle² • v. [intr.] run hurriedly or furtively with short quick steps: a mouse scuttled across the floor.• n. [in sing.] an act or sound of scuttling: I heard the scuttle of rats across the room.scut·tle³ • v. [tr.] sink (one's own ship) deliberately by holing it or opening its seacocks to let water in. ∎  deliberately cause (a scheme) to fail: some of the stockholders are threatening to scuttle the deal.• n. an opening with a lid in a ship's deck or side.

scuttle2 opening in a ship's deck XV; trap-door XVIII. perh. — F. †escoutille (mod. écoutille) hatchway — Sp. escotilla, dim. of escota cutting out of cloth, f. escotar cutout, f. L. EX-1 + Gmc. *skaut- SHEET.
Hence scuttle vb. cut a hole in sides, bottom, or deck of (a ship). XVII.

scuttle1 †dish, trencher (OE.), XV; (dial.) cornbasket, grain-shovel XIV: wide-mouthed basket XV; bowl-like vessel for coal XIX. Late OE. sċutel does not seem to have survived; ME. scutel is — ON. skutill, corr. to OS. skutala = MLG. schötele, MDu. schotele (Du. schotel), OHG. scuzzila (G. schüssel): all — L. scutula or scutella, rel. to scutra dish, platter.

scuttle3 run with quick hurried steps. XV. Parallel with synon. (dial.) scuddle XVII. frequent. of SCUD; see -LE3.