BRUSQUE

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does brusque mean? 

• BRUSQUE (adjective)
  The adjective BRUSQUE has 1 sense:

1. marked by rude or peremptory shortness

  Familiarity information: BRUSQUE used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• BRUSQUE (adjective)

Comparative: brusquer   
Superlative: brusquest   

Sense 1

Meaning:

Marked by rude or peremptory shortness

Synonyms:

brusk; brusque; curt; short

Context example:

the salesgirl was very short with him

Similar:

discourteous (showing no courtesy; rude)

Derivation:

brusqueness (an abrupt discourteous manner)

 Context examples 

"Don't know a word. I'm very stupid about studying anything, can't bear French, it's such a slippery, silly sort of language," was the brusque reply.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

Ah! By my word! there is something singular about you, said he: you have the air of a little nonnette; quaint, quiet, grave, and simple, as you sit with your hands before you, and your eyes generally bent on the carpet (except, by-the-bye, when they are directed piercingly to my face; as just now, for instance); and when one asks you a question, or makes a remark to which you are obliged to reply, you rap out a round rejoinder, which, if not blunt, is at least brusque.

(Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Brontë)

Any mention of her 'works' always had a bad effect upon Jo, who either grew rigid and looked offended, or changed the subject with a brusque remark, as now.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)