"quick or rapid in action or motion, swift, lively," 1550s, as Scottish bruisk, which is of uncertain origin; perhaps an alteration of French brusque (see brusque). Related: Briskly; briskness.
Entries linking to brisk
brusque adj.
in older use also brusk, "abrupt in manner, rude," 1650s, from French brusque "lively, fierce," from Italian adjective brusco "sharp, tart, rough," perhaps from Vulgar Latin *bruscum "butcher's broom plant," from Late Latin brucus "heather," from Gaulish *bruko- (compare Breton brug "heath," Old Irish froech). Related: Brusquely; brusqueness.