ETYM Cf. Icel. sprette a spurt, spring, run, spretta to sprit, spring.
A sudden and energetic effort; an increased exertion for a brief duration.

ETYM Written also spirt, and originally the same word as sprit; Old Eng. sprutten to sprout, as. spryttan. Related to Sprit, Sprout.
To gush forth in a sudden stream or jet of liquids; SYN. spirt, gush, spout.