"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.

1721 as a musical term, from Italian allegro "brisk, sprightly, cheerful," from Latin alacrem (nominative alacer) "lively, cheerful, brisk" (see alacrity). The same Latin word came into English 17c. as aleger "lively, brisk," from Old French alegre, from Latin alacris; and Milton used "L'Allegro" in its literal sense as a poem title (1632).

1834, "lively, nimble, active, brisk," American English, from northern British dialectal kipper "nimble, frisky," the origin of which is obscure.

1807 as the name of a brisk, fancy step in dancing, skating, etc.; see pigeon + wing (n.).

1680s, from Italian vivace "brisk, lively," from Latin vivac-, stem of vivax "lively, vigorous; long-lived, enduring," from PIE root *gwei- "to live."

small, fast type of dog, c. 1600, probably from whip (v.) in the sense of "move quickly" + diminutive suffix -et. Used earlier (1540s) in reference to "a brisk, nimble woman."

Middle English bistiren, from Old English bestyrian "to heap up," from be- + stir. The original sense apparently is obsolete; the meaning "take brisk or vigorous action" is from c. 1300. Related: Bestirred; bestirring.

masc. proper name, also a surname (from early 13c.), also Galliard, from Old French Gaillart, from Proto-Germanic *Gailhard "lofty-hard;" or from Old French gaillard "lively, brisk, gay, high-spirited," from PIE root *gal- (3) "to be able, have power."

1740, in music, In music, indicating "quicker in time than andante, but not so quick as

allegro;" from Italian allegretto, diminutive of allegro (q.v.) "brisk, sprightly." Also as a noun, a musical movement in such time.

1690s, "grow brisk, grow stronger" (intransitive), from fresh (adj.1) + -en (1). The earlier verb was simply fresh (mid-14c.). Transitive sense "refresh, revive, renew" is from 1749. Of a drink, "to top off," from 1961. Related: Freshened; freshening.