Sand; rough, hard particles.--Johnson. With us it is often vulgarly used to mean courage, spirit.
The command of a battalion was given to Mr. Jones, a pretty decided Whig in politics, and like many other men of Zacchean stature, all grit and spirit.--N. Y. Com. Adv., Letter from Washington, June 24.
Honor and fame from no condition rise. It's the grit of a fellow that makes the man.--Crockett, Tour, p. 44.
If he hadn't a had the clear grit in him, and showed his teeth, and claws, they'd a nullified him so, you wouldn't see a grease spot of him no more.--Sam Slick in England, ch. 17.