ˈpriklē, -li adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: prickle (I) + -y
1.
a. : full of sharp points or prickles : covered with prickles
a prickly shrub
b. : distinguished from related kinds by the presence of prickles
2. : prickling , stinging
a prickly sensation
3.
a. : containing points likely to give rise to controversy : vexatious
b. : easily irritated : highly sensitive
his prickly originality and sturdy independence — J.G.Robertson