rustling
verbnounnouncommon in dialogue
The rounding up and theft of animals, cattle in particular.
verb
- 1
Also a form of rustlepresent participle and gerund of rustle
Etymology
From Middle English *rustlynge, rustland, from Old English hrīstlende, *hrȳstlende, present participle of Old English *hrȳstlan (“to rustle”), equivalent to rustle + -ing.
noun
- 1
The rounding up and theft of animals, cattle in particular.
And if you would like one more fact about this worthy, he was responsible for an Act on the statute book abolishing the death penalty for cattle rustling.
noun
- 1
A series of rustles.
I hear a rustling in the bushes off to my right, and my trigger finger spasms.
The time in the paintings is also deepened by furtive movements and rustlings, mostly thanks to Bonnard’s figures.
Etymology
From Middle English rusteling, roustlyge, equivalent to rustle + -ing.
Forms
- plural
- rustlings
rustling · The rounding up and theft of animals, cattle in particular.
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