ˈskimble-ˌskamble, a., n., and adv.
Also 7 scimble, and 6–7, 9 scamble, 7 scemble.
[f. scamble v., with usual variation of vowel in the first element: cf. clitter-clatter, tittle-tattle, etc.]
A. adj.
1. Confused, incoherent, nonsensical, rubbishy.
In modern use only after the Shakespeare passage.
| 1596 Shakes. 1 Hen. IV, iii. i. 154 Such a deale of skimble⁓scamble Stuff, As puts me from my Faith. 1630 J. Taylor (Water P.) Wks. ii. 111/2 Here's a sweet deale of scimble scamble stuffe. 1822 Byron Vis. Judgm. Pref., Hence all this ‘skimble-scamble stuff’ about ‘Satanic’. 1864 G. W. Dasent Jest & Earnest (1873) II. 69 He talks a deal of ‘skimble skamble’ stuff about ‘askance’. 1880 Ruskin Arrows of Chace II. 281 My belief is they scarcely sang a piece of pure Rossini all night, but had fitted in modern skimble⁓skamble tunes. |
2. Accompanied by confusion or disorder.
| 1826 Hone Every-day Bk. II. 995 They skurry, In a skimble skamble hurry. |
B. n. Confused or worthless discourse. Also, writing of this nature.
| 1619 J. Taylor (Water P.) Kicksey Winsey B 7, He..askes..where's the wind..With such fine scimble scemble, spitter spatter. 1818 Byron Let. 1 June in Works (1900) IV. xvii. 238 Did you read his skimble-skamble about Wordsworth being at the head of his own profession, in the eyes of those who followed it? 1855 Motley Dutch Rep. ii. ii. (1866) 159 After a good deal of skimble-skamble of this nature. |
C. adv. Confusedly; in confusion.
| 1775 in Ash. 1845 S. Judd Margaret i. xvii. (1871) 140 The flakes shaded and mottled the sky, and fell twirling, pitching, skimble-scamble. |