hurlyburly

English

Alternative forms

• hurly-burly

Etymology

A combination of hurling and burling.

Noun

hurlyburly (plural hurlyburlies)

1. (archaic) A noisy and disorderly tumult and confusion, especially as of battle.
   • 1550: Mierdman, Steuen, The market or fayre of usurers

     ...for nought is ceaſſed and gone already, what an hurlyburly (?) inconvenience ſhoulde followe or it maye be eaſely perceived.

   • 1606: Shakespeare, William, Macbeth

     First Witch: When shall we three meet again / In thunder, lightning, or in rain?

     Second Witch: When the hurlyburly's done, / When the battle's lost and won.

Translations

See also

• hustle and bustle
• hurluberlu