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Definition of Hugger-mugger
1. Noun. A state of confusion. "He engaged in the hugger-mugger of international finance"
2. Adjective. In utter disorder. "A disorderly pile of clothes"
Similar to: Untidy
Derivative terms: Disorderliness, Topsy-turvyness
3. Adverb. In secrecy. "They did it all hugger-mugger"
4. Adjective. Conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods. "Underground resistance"
Similar to: Covert
Derivative terms: Underground
Definition of Hugger-mugger
1. Noun. (archaic) Secrecy. ¹
2. Noun. Disorder. ¹
3. Adjective. Secret, clandestine. ¹
4. Adjective. Disorderly, chaotic, confused. ¹
5. Adverb. Secretly. ¹
6. Adverb. Confusedly, in a muddle. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Lexicographical Neighbors of Hugger-mugger
Literary usage of Hugger-mugger
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. A Glossary; Or, Collection of Words, Phrases, Names, and Allusions to by Robert Nares, James Orchard Halliwell-Phillipps, Thomas Wright (1867)
"In hugger-mugger. In secrecy, or concealment. For the various derivations, see Todd.
But I am inclined to think that they are all erroneous, ..."
2. A Glossary: Or, Collection of Words, Phrases, Names, and Allusions to by Robert Nares (1859)
"The phrase in hugger-mugger is now obsolete ; the word is used, if at all, as an
adjective, as, hugger- mugger doings ; or an adverb, as, it was all carried ..."
3. Essays on Social Subjects from the Saturday Review by Anne] [Mozley (1865)
"hugger-mugger. MOST minds have an untidy corner. Most men have a taste, in some
quarter or other, for hugger-mugger, — for unworthy shifts and expedients, ..."
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