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whisk

1. The act of whisking; a rapid, sweeping motion, as of something light; a sudden motion or quick puff. This first sad whisk takes off thy dukedom; thou art but an earl. (J. Fletcher)

2. A small bunch of grass, straw, twigs, hair, or the like, used for a brush; hence, a brush or small besom, as of broom corn.

3. A small culinary instrument made of wire, or the like, for whisking or beating eggs, cream, etc.

4. A kind of cape, forming part of a woman's dress. My wife in her new lace whisk. (Pepys)

5. An impertinent fellow.

6. A plane used by coopers for evening chines.

Origin: Probably for wisk, and of Scand. Origin; cf. Icel. Visk a wisp; akin to Dan. Visk, Sw. Viska, D. Wisch, OHG. Wisc, G. Wisch. See Wisp.