Sprightly

adj. (-ier, -iest) vivacious, lively, brisk. is sprightli-ness n. [from spright, var. of SPRITE] spring u. (past sprang; past part. sprung) 1 rise rapidly or suddenly, leap, jump. 2 move rapidly by or as by the action of a spring. 3 (usu. foil. by from) originate (from ancestors, a source, etc.). 4 act or appear suddenly or unexpectedly (a breeze sprang up; spring to mind; spring to life). 5 (often foil. by on) present (a thing or circum-stance etc.) suddenly or unexpectedly (sprang it on me). 6 slang contrive the escape of (a person from prison etc.). 7 rouse (game) from a covert etc. 8 (usu. as sprung adj.)provide (a mattress etc.) with springs.n. 1 jump, leap. 2 recoil. 3 elasticity. 4 elastic device, usu. of coiled metal, used esp. to drive clockwork or for cushioning in furniture or vehicles. 5 a (often attrib.) the first season of the year, in which new vegetation begins to appear. b (often foil. by of) early stage of life etc. 6 place where water, oil, etc., wells up from the earth; basin or flow so formed. 7 motive for or origin of an action, custom, etc. u spring a leak develop a leak. spring up come into being, appear. o springlike adj. [Old English]