English

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Etymology

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prickly +‎ -ness

Pronunciation

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Noun

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prickliness (usually uncountable, plural pricklinesses)

  1. The state or quality of being prickly.
    • 1661, J. Childrey, Brit. Baconica, page 105:
      The sharp prickliness of its finnes.
    • 1725, Bradley, Fam. Dict., volume II, s.v. Presage:
      A Thistle…assuming a new Form, and without any prickliness.
    • 1878 August 15th, A. Forbes, Daily News, page 6/2:
      Closer inspection disclosed the furious and impossible prickliness of their surface.

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