Brier \Bri"er\, Briar \Bri"ar\, n. [OE. brere, brer, AS. br[=e]r, br[ae]r; cf. Ir. briar prickle, thorn, brier, pin, Gael. preas bush, brier, W. prys, prysg.]

1. A plant with a slender woody stem bearing stout prickles; especially, species of Rosa, Rubus, and Smilax.

2. Fig.: Anything sharp or unpleasant to the feelings.

The thorns and briers of reproof. --Cowper.

Brier root, the root of the southern Smilax laurifolia and S. Walteri; -- used for tobacco pipes.

Cat brier, Green brier, several species of Smilax (S. rotundifolia, etc.)

Sweet brier (Rosa rubiginosa). See Sweetbrier.

Yellow brier, the Rosa Eglantina.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)