hugger-mugger

Noun · Adjective · Adverb
Synonyms: disorderlyhiggledy-piggledyjumbledtopsy-turvyclandestinecloak-and-daggerhole-and-corner(a)hush-hushsecretsurreptitiousundercoverunderground

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

  1. a state of confusion“he engaged in the hugger-mugger of international finance”

Adjective (2)

  1. in utter disorder“a disorderly pile of clothes”Synonyms: disorderlyhiggledy-piggledyjumbledtopsy-turvy
  2. conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods“clandestine intelligence operations”“cloak-and-dagger activities behind enemy lines”“hole-and-corner intrigue”“secret missions”“a secret agent”“secret sales of arms”“surreptitious mobilization of troops”“an undercover investigation”“underground resistance”Synonyms: clandestinecloak-and-daggerhole-and-corner(a)hush-hushsecretsurreptitiousundercoverunderground

Adverb (1)

  1. in secrecy“they did it all hugger-mugger”
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Hugger-mugger \Hug"ger-mug`ger\, n. [Scot. huggrie-muggrie; Prov. E. hugger to lie in ambush, mug mist, muggard sullen.]

1.Privacy; secrecy. Commonly in the phrase in hugger-mugger, with haste and secrecy. [Archaic] [1913 Webster]

Many things have been done in hugger-mugger.— Fuller.[1913 Webster]

2.Confusion; disorder. [PJC]

Hugger-mugger \Hug"ger-mug`ger\, a.

1.Secret; clandestine; sly. [1913 Webster]

2.Confused; disorderly; slovenly; mean; as, hugger-mugger doings. [1913 Webster]

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