The technical use of the word illustrated by quotation 1833 seems to be American.
1825. He waited a few minutes; and, finding nobody disposed for a “tussle,” became excessively clamorous, and abusive; cursing every body about him.—John Neal, ‘Brother Jonathan,’ i. 256.
1833. Two of the youngest of the company, who were engaged in a tussle, an exercise common among our western youth…. The object of each party is to throw his adversary to the ground, and to retain his advantage by holding him down until the victory shall be decided.—James Hall, ‘The Harpe’s Head,” p. 87 (Phila.). (Italics in the original.)
