adj.
Pronunciation: ' pri-k( ə -)l ē
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: prick · li · er ; -est
Date: 1578
1 : full of or covered with prickles especially : distinguished from related kinds by the presence of prickles
2 : marked by prickling : STINGING <a prickly sensation>
3 a : TROUBLESOME , VEXATIOUS < prickly issues> b : easily irritated <had a prickly disposition>
– prick · li · ness noun