rustler
UK: ˈrʌslə | US: ˈrʌslər
n. 1. A person who steals livestock, especially cattle.
n. 2. (informal) Someone who acts energetically or hustles.
The word "rustler" originates from the verb "rustle," which imitates the sound of movement (e.g., leaves rustling or cattle moving). By the mid-19th century, it evolved to describe someone who steals cattle—likely because thieves moved animals quietly or quickly. The "-er" suffix denotes the agent performing the action. Over time, it also gained a colloquial sense for someone who hustles or works vigorously.
The rancher hired guards to protect his herd from rustlers.
She’s a real rustler, always finishing tasks ahead of schedule.
Authorities arrested a suspected rustler near the state border.
In the Old West, rustlers faced severe punishment.
He started as a rustler, but now he owns a legitimate cattle business.