2 entries under this word
(rŭs'l), v. i. [imp. & p. p. RUSTLED; p. pr. & vb. n. RUSTLING.] [A-S. hristlian, to rustle, hrasl, a rustling, H. Ger. rasseln, Dan. rasle, O. Sw. rasla, N. Sw. rossla, to rattle in the throat. Cf. RATTLE.] To make a quick succession of small sounds, like the rubbing of silk cloth or dry leaves; as, a rustling silk; rustling leaves or trees.
He is coming; I hear the straw rustle. Shak.
Prouder than rustling in unpaid-for silks. Shak.
(rüs'sl), n. 1. A quick succession of small sounds like those made by shaking straw, or rubbing silk, and the like; a rustling.
When the noise of a torrent, the rustle of a wood, the song of birds, or the play of lambs, had power to fill the attention, and suspend all perception of the course of time. Idler.
Sense 2. Surly; morose; crusty.
Sense 3. Covered with foul or extraneous matter.
Sense 4. (Bot.) Having the color of rust, or covered with a substance resembling rust; rubiginous.