Scatter \Scat"ter\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scattered; p. pr. &
vb. n. Scattering.]
[OE. scateren. See Shatter.]
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.
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.
3. Hence, to frustrate, disappoint, and overthrow; as, to
scatter hopes, plans, or the like.
Syn: To disperse; dissipate; spread; strew.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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