E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Higgledy-piggledy.
In great confusion; at sixes and sevens. A higgler is a pedlar whose stores are all huddled together. Higgledy means after the fashion of a higgler’s basket; and piggledy is a ricochet word suggested by litter; as, a pig’s litter.
