rustle

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   take illegally

   rustle cattle

2. 2
   noun

   A soft crackling sound similar to the movement of dry leaves.

   He heard the silken rustle of a dressing-gown being drawn on.

3. 3
   verb

   To move (something) with a soft crackling sound.

   The next day at three o'clock we were again at the door, and the footmen as before; we heard the silk dress rustle, and the lady came down the steps and in an imperious voice, she said, "York, you must put those horses' heads higher, they are not fit to be seen."

4. 4
   verb

   To make or obtain in a lively, energetic way.

   When at last the lumber was piled again in its rightful place, and the boxes of food had been returned to the shelter from which they had been stolen, the two friends rustled a meal, and then set off on horseback […]

5. 5
   noun

   a light noise, like the noise of silk clothing or leaves blowing in the wind

6. 6
   verb

   make a dry crackling sound

7. 7
   verb

   forage food

8. 8
   noun

   A movement producing such a sound.

Etymology

From Middle English rustelen, russelen, of uncertain origin, but probably from Old English hrūxlian, hristlan, hrystlan, hristlian (“to make a noise”). Compare also Scots reesle (“to crackle; rattle; rustle”), West Frisian risselje, Dutch ritselen (“to rustle”), Afrikaans ritsel (“to rustle”), German rascheln (“to rustle”).