Green’s Dictionary of Slang

1. a challenge.

1937

A.E. Duckett ‘Truckin ’round Brooklyn’ in N.Y. Age 20 Mar. 7/1: Even though Clausde is more experienced Joe gave him a tight scuffle in some swing tunes.

2. difficult circumstances, poverty.

1994

C. Major Juba to Jive.

3. a job.

1972

B. Rodgers Queens’ Vernacular 177: scuffle 1. a job.