adjective
also brusk ˈbrəsk sometimes -ru̇sk or -rü-
( -er/-est )
Etymology: French brusque, from Italian brusco, from Medieval Latin bruscus butcher's-broom, perhaps blend of Latin ruscus butcher's-broom and Late Latin brucus heather — more at brier
: markedly short and abrupt : tending to be brisk, sharp, and often somewhat harsh or lacking gentleness
Synonyms: see bluff