briar

See also: Briar

English
A sweet briar (Rosa rubiginosa). Mudgee, New South Wales.

Alternative forms

Pronunciation
  • (UK) IPA(key): /bɹʌɪə/
  • IPA(key): /ˈbɹaɪə(ɹ)/
  • Rhymes: -aɪə(ɹ)

Etymology 1

From Middle English brere, from Old English brēr, brǣr (“briar; bramble”), possibly ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *wert- (“to twist, turn”). Compare Icelandic brörr (“briar”).

Noun

briar (plural briars)

  1. Any of many plants with thorny stems growing in dense clusters, such as many in the Rosa, Rubus, and Smilax genera.
  2. (figuratively) Anything sharp or unpleasant to the feelings.
    • (Can we date this quote?) Cowper
      The thorns and briers of reproof.
Derived terms
Translations
Briar (pipe)

Etymology 2

Wikispecies From French bruyère, assimilated with Etymology 1, above.

Noun

briar (plural briars)

  1. The white heath, Erica arborea, a thorny Mediterranean shrub.
  2. A pipe for smoking, made from the roots of that shrub.
Derived terms
  • briar-pipe
Translations
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Anagrams
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