Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SCUT'TLE, n.² [Fr. ecoutille; Arm. scoutilh; Sp. escotilla; Sax. scyttel, a bolt or bar; scyttan, to bolt, to shut. See Shut.]

1. In ships, a small hatchway or opening in the deck, large enough to admit a man, and with a lid for covering it; also, a like hole in the side of a ship, and through the coverings of her hatchways, &c.
2. A square hole in the roof of a house, with a lid.
3. [from scud, and properly scuddle.] A quick pace; a short run. – Spectator.