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Originally Posted by irmamar
What does it mean? The dictionary says that "scuffle" means "fight or struggle in a confused way at close quarters" 
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The word 'quarter' can refer to the 4 limbs, 2 arms and 2 legs. Punishment for treason included
quartering, i.e. cutting these limbs off. It is just a guess, but 'at close quarters' could derive from being near enough to be in close contact with arms and legs. It is well known but not used much in BrE.