from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Brier \Bri"er\, Briar \Bri"ar\ (br[imac]"[~e]r), n. [OE. brere,
brer, AS. br[=e]r, br[ae]r; cf. Ir. briar prickle, thorn,
brier, pin, Gael. preas bush, brier, W. prys, prysg.]
1. A plant with a slender woody stem bearing stout prickles;
especially, species of {Rosa}, {Rubus}, and {Smilax}.
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2. Fig.: Anything sharp or unpleasant to the feelings.
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The thorns and briers of reproof. --Cowper.
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{Brier root}, the root of the southern {Smilax laurifolia}
and {Smilax Walteri}; -- used for tobacco pipes. See also
2nd {brier}.
{Cat brier}, {Green brier}, several species of Smilax
({Smilax rotundifolia}, etc.)
{Sweet brier} ({Rosa rubiginosa}). See {Sweetbrier}.
{Yellow brier}, the {Rosa Eglantina}.
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