adv. 1. In a jumbled, confused manner; helter-skelter. 2. In frantic disorderly haste; headlong: "I went to work pell-mell, blotted several sheets of paper with choice floating thoughts" (Washington Irving). [French pêle-mêle, from Old French pesle mesle, probably reduplication of mesle, imperative of mesler, to mix; see MEDDLE.] pell-mell adj. & n. |
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