Spunk (spŭṉk), n. [Gael. spong, or Ir. sponc, tinder, sponge; cf. AS. sponge a sponge (L. spongia), spōn 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.
A lawless and dangerous set, men of spunk, and spirit, and power, both of mind and body. Prof. Wilson.