bustle 1
— bustler , n. — bustlingly , adv.
/bus"euhl/ , v. , bustled, bustling , n.
v.i.
1. to move or act with a great show of energy (often fol. by about ): He bustled about cooking breakfast.
2. to abound or teem with something; display an abundance of something; teem (often fol. by with ): The office bustled with people and activity.
v.t.
3. to cause to bustle; hustle.
n.
4. thriving or energetic activity; stir; ferment.
[ 1615-25; ME bustelen to hurry aimlessly along, perh. akin to ON busla to splash about, bustle ]
Syn. 4. ado, flurry, agitation, fuss.
bustle 2
— bustled , adj.
/bus"euhl/ , n.
1. fullness around or below the waist of a dress, as added by a peplum, bows, ruffles, etc.
2. a pad, cushion, or framework formerly worn under the back of a woman's skirt to expand, support, and display the full cut and drape of a dress.
[ 1780-90; orig. uncert. ]