Main Entry: prick·ly

Pronunciation: \ˈpri-k(ə-)lē\

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): prick·li·er; prick·li·est

Date: 1578

1 : full of or covered with prickles; especially : distinguished from related kinds by the presence of prickles
2 : marked by prickling : stinging <a prickly sensation>
3 a : troublesome, vexatious <prickly issues> b : easily irritated <had a prickly disposition>

— prick·li·ness noun