Category:Spunk

Spunk (spûnk), n. Etym: [gael. spong, or ir. sponc, tinder, sponge; Cf. As. sponge a sponge (l. spongia), spon a chip. Cf. Sponge, punk.] [written also sponk.]

1. Wood that readily takes fire; touchwood; also, a kind of tinder Made from a species of fungus; punk; amadou. Sir t. Browne.

2. An inflammable temper; spirit; mettle; pluck; as, a man of spunk. [colloq.] A lawless and dangerous set, men of spunk, and spirit, and power, Both of mind and body. Prof. Wilson.