scamper

 
Pronunciation: /ˈskampə/

verb

[no object, with adverbial of direction]
  • (especially of a small animal or child) run with quick light steps, especially through fear or excitement: he scampered in like an overgrown puppy

noun

[in singular]
  • an act of scampering: he heard the squeak and scamper of rats

Origin:

late 17th century (in the sense 'run away'): probably from scamp2