SPURT (4)

Spurt (spûrt), n. [[Cf. Icel. sprettr a spurt, spring, run, spretta to spirt, spring.]] A sudden and energetic effort, as in an emergency; an increased exertion for a brief space. The long, steady sweep of the so-called “paddle” tried him almost as much as the breathless strain of the spurt. T. Hughes.