/
ˈbrɪs(ə)l/
n.
a short, stiff hair on an animal's skin or a man's face.
▸a stiff animal hair, or a man-made substitute, used to make a brush.
v.
- (of hair or fur) stand upright away from the skin, as a sign of anger or fear.
- react angrily or defensively.
-
(bristle with)
be covered with or abundant in.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from OE byrst (of Gmc origin) + -le1.