adj.
Pronunciation: ' bris-l ē , ' bri-s ə -
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: bris · tli · er ; -est
Date: 1589
1 a : thickly set with bristles <a bristly shrub> b : consisting of or resembling bristles <a bristly mustache>
2 : inclined to or showing aggressiveness or anger <a bristly temperament>