GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
    Brier, Briar  (brīˈẽr), n. [OE. brere, brer, AS. brēr, brær; 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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2.       
   Brier (), n.
   1. the white heath Erica arborea.  RHUD.
   
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   2. a smoking pipe made of the root of the brier1. Brierroot seems to have been used formerly as a term meaning root of the Smilax laurifolia and is now defined as root of the Erica arborea.  Not clear when this changed. -- PJC.
   
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