Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Helter-skelter \Hel"ter-skel"ter\, adv. [An onomat?poetic word.
   Cf. G. holter-polter, D. holder de bolder.]
   In hurry and confusion; without definite purpose;
   irregularly. [Colloq.]

         Helter-skelter have I rode to thee.      --Shak.

         A wistaria vine running helter-skelter across the roof.
                                                  --J. C.
                                                  Harris.

Source : WordNet®

helter-skelter
     adj 1: lacking a visible order or organization [syn: {chaotic}]
     2: with undue hurry and confusion; "a helter-skelter kind of
        existence with never a pause"; "a pell-mell dash for the
        train" [syn: {pell-mell}]
     adv : haphazardly; "the books were piled up helter-skelter" [syn:
           {every which way}]