bris

n. the shattering or crushing effect of a sudden release of energy as in an explosion; -- used especially as a measure of such a shattering power, applied to high explosives. [ WordNet 1.5 +PJC ]

adj. 1. of or pertaining to brisance. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

2. having the ability to shatter, as contrasted with merely fracturing; -- of explosives. the more brisant explosives, such as dynamite, will shatter rock into smaller fragments than the less brisant, such as gunpowder. [ WordNet 1.5 + PJC ]

a. [ Cf. W. brysg, fr. brys haste, Gael. briosg quick, lively, Ir. broisg a start, leap, jerk. ] 1. Full of liveliness and activity; characterized by quickness of motion or action; lively; spirited; quick. [ 1913 Webster ]

Cheerily, boys; be brick awhile. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Brisk toil alternating with ready ease. Wordworth. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Full of spirit of life; effervesc&unr_;ng, as liquors; sparkling; as, brick cider. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Active; lively; agile; alert; nimble; quick; sprightly; vivacious; gay; spirited; animated. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. & i. [ imp. & p. p. Bricked p. pr. & vb. n. Bricking. ] To make or become lively; to enliven; to animate; to take, or cause to take, an erect or bold attitude; -- usually with up. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. to become brisk.
Syn. -- brisk, brisk up. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. [ OE. bruskette, OF. bruschet, F. bréchet, brichet; prob. of Celtic origin; cf. W. brysced the breast of a slain animal, brisket, Corn. vrys breast, Armor. brusk, bruched, the front of the chest, Gael. brisgein the cartilaginous part of a bone. ] That part of the breast of an animal which extends from the fore legs back beneath the ribs; also applied to the fore part of a horse, from the shoulders to the bottom of the chest. [ See Illust. of Beef. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a brisk manner; nimbly. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Liveliness; vigor in action; quickness; gayety; vivacity; effervescence. [ 1913 Webster ]