scut·tle·butt \ˈskəd.əlˌbət, -kətəl-, usu -bəd.+V\noun Etymology:scuttle (II) + butt (cask) 1. a.: a cask on shipboard to contain fresh water for a day's use b.: a drinking fountain on a ship or at a naval or marine installation 2.: rumor, gossip < started a round of scuttlebutt to the effect that the regiment would arrive soon — H.L.Merillat >