scrab·ble 
/ˈskræbəl/ verb
scrab·bles; scrab·bled; scrab·bling always followed by an adverb or preposition /ˈskræbəl/ verb [no obj] : to move the hands or feet in an awkward and hurried way in order to find or do something
▪ She scrabbled around in her handbag for a pen. ▪ He scrabbled at the slippery rock. — see also hardscrabble
▪ She scrabbled around in her handbag for a pen. ▪ He scrabbled at the slippery rock. — see also hardscrabble
