What is the origin of the term "pell-mell"?

Search: pell mell

Why: In response to this picture of the Loch Ness monster:

Katrina said:

Arthur Grant probably scared the bajeebus out of the poor thing! Can you imagine being out for a relaxing stroll around the lake and having that guy ride at you all pell mell?? No wonder he doesn't come out of the water anymore [sad5]

Answer: It's French!

• French pêle-mêle , from Old French pesle mesle
• Probably reduplication of mesle, "to mix"

Now the term means:

1. In a jumbled, confused manner; helter-skelter
2. In frantic disorderly haste; headlong

Source: The Free Dictionary

The More You Know: That Arthur Grant was a veterinary student, but maybe he turned into Arthur Grant, cinematographer, who loved the fantastic and shot such creepy classics as:

• Shadow of the Cat (1961)
• The Curse of the Werewolf (1961)
• The Phantom of the Opera (1962)
  
• The Plague of the Zombies (1966)
  
• The Devil Rides Out (1968)
• Demons of the Mind in 1972

Oh, PS, did you know Andrew Lloyd Webber has a sequel to Phantom - called Love Never Dies - opening next month? Believe it!