To run hurriedly with short, quick steps; or to deliberately sink a ship by making holes in its hull.
From the Old English 'scuddan' meaning to run or hasten. The nautical meaning (sinking a ship) developed separately, possibly from the hatch or opening (also called a scuttle) through which water would flood in.
Scuttle has a delightful double life—it's both an adorable way to describe how crabs and children move, and a serious naval term for sabotage. Pirates and naval commanders both used scuttling as a strategic move, making it more honorable than simple destruction.
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