ə̇ˈsprē, eˈ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: French, from Latin spiritus spirit, breath — more at spirit
1. archaic : quick comprehension : intelligence
2. : cleverness and vivacity (as of spirit and mind) : sprightly wit : an inherent and native lively and colorful quality
among so somber and serious a group his small wit passed for full-fledged esprit
had esprit and for us they filled that difficult patch of childhood with color and life — Rumer Godden
3.
[by shortening]
: esprit de corps
the esprit of the entire regiment dropped considerably at the news of their transfer
means that the know-how as well as the esprit of the thousands of uncompensated volunteer workers … would be lost — U.S. Code
Synonyms: see vigor