Spunk (sp&ucr;&nsm;k), n. [Gael. spong, or Ir. sponc, tinder, sponge; cf. AS. sponge a sponge (L. spongia), sp&omac;n 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.
© Webster 1913.