A hustler is a vigorous, pushing fellow, not vexed by scruples of conscience.
1890. They say he is a hustler. It means a person in a condition of nervous hurry, and they are all hustlers [in New York].—Con. Pall Mall Gazette, March 5. (N.E.D.)
1896. It is more like the hustling U.S. dailies than the other Mexican dailies.—Boston Journal, Jan. 4. (N.E.D.)
1909. Socialistic drama must hustle, especially if it is to make Socialist votes for Debs’s next campaign.—N.Y. Evening Post, Feb. 4.
