Spunk
spunk (spunk), n. (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.
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