n. [ Cf. OF. mousche a fly, also, the play called muss, fr. L. musca a fly. ] A scramble, as when small objects are thrown down, to be taken by those who can seize them; a confused struggle. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A state of confusion or disorder; -- prob. variant of mess, but influenced by muss, a scramble. [ Colloq. U.S. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Mussed p. pr. & vb. n. Mussing. ] To disarrange, as clothing; to rumple; -- often used with up; as, the wind mussed up my hair. [ Colloq. U.S. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. OE. mus a mouse. See Mouse. ] A term of endearment. [ Obs. ] See Mouse. B. Jonson. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ See Muscle, 3. ] 1. (Zool.) Any one of many species of marine bivalve shells of the genus Mytilus, and related genera, of the family Mytidae. The common mussel (Mytilus edulis; see Illust. under Byssus), and the larger, or horse, mussel (Modiola modiolus), inhabiting the shores both of Europe and America, are edible. The former is extensively used as food in Europe. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Zool.) Any one of numerous species of Unio, and related fresh-water genera; -- called also river mussel. See Naiad, and Unio. [ 1913 Webster ]

Mussel digger (Zool.), the grayback whale. See Gray whale, under Gray. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. mussitatio suppression of the voice, fr. mussitare to be silent, to murmur. ] A speaking in a low tone; mumbling. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Min.) A variety of pyroxene, from the Mussa Alp in Piedmont; diopside. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Mussulmans [ Ar. muslimīn, pl. of muslim: cf. F. & Sp. musulman. See Moslem. ] A Muslim; a Moslem. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Of, pertaining to, or like, the Muslims (Mussulmans), or their customs: Islamic. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Islamic. [ 1913 Webster ]