Webster's English Dictionary

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bristle

1. bris.tle \'bris-*l\ \'bris-*(l)-.li-k\ \'bris-(*-)le-\ n [ME bristil, 
   fr. brust bristle, fr. OE byrst; akin to OHG ]burst bristle, L fastigium 
   top : a short stiff coarse hair or filament  - bris.tle.like aj
2. bristle \'bris-(*-)lin\ vb or bris.tling 1a: to rise and stand stiffly 
   erect {quills bristling in all direc tions} 1b: to raise the bristles (as 
   in anger)  2: to take on an aggressive attitude or appearance  3: to appear 
   as if covered with bristles {~ with difficulties}  1: to furnish with 
   bristles  2: to make bristly : RUFFLE