Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Topsy-turvy

Topsy-turvy , adverb

[Earlier topside-turvey, topsy-tervy; probably for top so turvy; that is, the top as turvy, as it were turvy; where turvy probably means, overturned, from AS. torfian to throw.]

In an inverted posture; with the top or head downward; upside down; as, to turn a carriage topsy-turvy.