BRIER

Brier. Brier
This word occurs frequently, and is the translation of several different terms. (1.) Micah 7:4, it denotes a species of thorn shrub used for hedges. In Prov. 15:19 the word is rendered “thorn” (Heb. hedek, “stinging”), supposed by some to be what is called the “apple of Sodom” (q.v.).

(2.) Ezek. 28:24, sallon’, properly a “prickle,” such as is found on the shoots of the palm tree.

(3.) Isa. 55:13, probably simply a thorny bush. Some, following the Vulgate Version, regard it as the “nettle.”

(4.) Isa. 5:6; 7:23-25, etc., frequently used to denote thorny shrubs in general. In 10:17; 27:4, it means troublesome men.

(5.) In Heb. 6:8 the Greek word (tribolos) so rendered means “three-pronged,” and denotes the land caltrop, a low throny shrub resembling in its spikes the military “crow-foot.” Comp. Matt. 7:16, “thistle.”

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BRIER. → FIGURATIVE Isa 5:6; 55:13; Eze 2:6; 28:24

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brier|briar. Brier, or Briar, n. a very prickly shrub

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{ Bri″er, Bri″ar } (�), n. [[OE. brere, brer, AS. brēr, brær; cf. Ir. briar prickle, thorn, brier, pin, Gael. preas bush, brier, W. prys, prysg.]] 1. 1. A plant with a slender woody stem bearing stout prickles; especially, species of Rosa, Rubus, and Smilax.
2. 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.