Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Helter-skelter

Helter-skelter , adverb

[An onomat{not transcribed}poetic word. Compare German holter-polter, Dutch holder de bolder.]

In hurry and confusion; without definite purpose; irregularly. [Colloquial]
Helter-skelter have I rode to thee. — Shakespeare
A wistaria vine running helter-skelter across the roof. — J. C. Harris