ETYM French brusque, from Italian brusco brusque, tart, sour, perh. from Latin (vitis) labrusca wild (vine); or cf. Old High Germ. bruttisc grim, from brutti terror.
Marked by rude or peremptory shortness; SYN. brusk, curt, short.
Blunt in speech or conduct.

Deep and harsh sounding as if from shouting or illness or emotion; SYN. hoarse, husky.

1. Sturdy and strong in constitution or construction; enduring
2. Very difficult; severely testing stamina or resolution; SYN. tough.

In a brusque manner.

In a gruff manner.