Hurlyburly

Alternative forms

• hurly-burly

Origin

A combination of hurling and burling.

Full definition of hurlyburly

Noun

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 ceaÅ¿Å¿ed and gone already, what an hurlyburly (?) inconvenience Å¿houlde followe or it maye be eaÅ¿ely perceived.
• 1606: Shakespeare, William, MacbethFirst 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.