spunk

A fungus (Polyporus fomentarius and others) growing on the trunks of trees, from which tinder is made.

← spunge × spun-yarn →

Spunk
·noun An inflammable temper; spirit; mettle; pluck; as, a man of spunk. II. Spunk ·noun Wood that r...

Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
spunk
Rotten touchwood, or a kind of fungus prepared for tinder; figuratively, spirit, courage. ...

Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
spunk
Mettle; spirit; vivacity.--Brockett's Glossary. A colloquial word, considered in England extremely v...

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.
spunk
a dried fungus, used as tinder. Glouc. To go snacks, or snack it, to go shares, or partake. ...

A glossary of provincial and local words used in England by Francis Grose