01 v. t. To strew about; to sprinkle around; to throw down loosely; to deposit or place here and there, esp. in an open or sparse order.
imp. & p. p.
Scattered; p. pr. & vb. n.
Scattering
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1.
To strew about; to sprinkle around; to throw down loosely; to deposit or place here and there, esp. in an open or sparse order.“And some are scattered all the floor about.” — Chaucer.“Why should my muse enlarge on Libyan swains, Their scattered cottages, and ample plains?” — Dryden.“Teach the glad hours to scatter, as they fly, Soft quiet, gentle love, and endless joy.” — Prior.
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2.
To cause to separate in different directions; to reduce from a close or compact to a loose or broken order; to dissipate; to disperse.“Scatter and disperse the giddy Goths.” — Shak.
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3.
Hence, to frustrate, disappoint, and overthrow; as, to scatter hopes, plans, or the like.