spunk

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. An inflammable temper; spirit; mettle; pluck; as, a man of spunk. [ Colloq. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

A lawless and dangerous set, men of spunk, and spirit, and power, both of mind and body. Prof. Wilson. [ 1913 Webster ]