from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Rustle \Rus"tle\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Rustled}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Rustling}.] [AS. hristlan to rustle; or cf. Sw. rusta to
stir, make a riot, or E. rush, v.]
1. To make a quick succession of small sounds, like the
rubbing or moving of silk cloth or dry leaves.
[1913 Webster]
He is coming; I hear his straw rustle. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
Prouder than rustling in unpaid-for silk. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
2. To stir about energetically; to strive to succeed; to
bustle about. [Slang, Western U.S.]
[1913 Webster]
3. To steal; -- used of livestock and esp. of cattle.
[PJC]
{To rustle up} To gather or find by searching; as, to rustle
up some food for supper.
[PJC]