BIRSE
\bˈɜːs], \bˈɜːs], \b_ˈɜː_s]\
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birs, n. bristle.--adj. BIRS'Y.--TO LICK THE BIRSE, to draw a hog's bristle through the mouth--part of the ceremony of citizenship in Selkirk; TO SET UP ONE'S BIRSE, to rouse the wrath of, from the habit of animals bristling up when enraged. [Scot.; A.S. byrst.]
By Thomas Davidson