bristle

BRIS'TLE, noun bris'l. 1. The stiff glossy hair of swine, especially that growing on the back, used for making brushes; similar hair on other animals. 2. A species of pubescence on plants, in form of stiff roundish hair. BRIS'TLE, verb transitive To erect in bristles; to erect in defiance or anger, like a swine; as, to bristle the crest. 1. To fix a bristle; as, to bristle a thread. BRIS'TLE, verb intransitive To rise or stand erect; as, the hair bristles. 1. To raise the head and strut, as in anger or defiance; as, a man bristles up to another. In this sense the word is common in the U. States, but generally pronounced brustle.