spunkie

[ spuhng-kee ]

/ ˈspʌŋ ki /

a will-o'-the-wisp.

Origin of spunkie

First recorded in 1720–30; spunk + -ie

Will is in Bertram's den dozing before the fireplace with Spunkie curled up in his lap.

Miss Billy Married |Eleanor H. Porter
Even Spunkie did not escape, but had to submit to the ignominy of a bath.

Miss Billy Married |Eleanor H. Porter
Spunkie has been boarding out all August at a cat home, but he seems glad to get back to us.

Miss Billy |Eleanor H. Porter
She's coming home, Spunkie; and she'll make it a home for you, for me, and for all of us.

Miss Billy Married |Eleanor H. Porter

Spunkie—thou shalt henceforth be my symbol signature, and tutelary genius!

The Complete Works of Robert Burns: Containing his Poems, Songs, and Correspondence. |Robert Burns and Allan Cunningham