rustle

Meanings

Noun

• A soft crackling sound similar to the movement of dry leaves.
• A movement producing such a sound.

Verb

• To move (something) with a soft crackling sound.
• To make or obtain in a lively, energetic way.
• To steal (cattle or other livestock).

Origin

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