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What is "brier root"

The Collaborative International Dictionary
Brier root

Brier \Bri"er\, Briar \Bri"ar\ (br[imac]"[~e]r), 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 Smilax Walteri; -- used for tobacco pipes. See also 2nd brier.

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

    Sweet brier ( Rosa rubiginosa). See Sweetbrier.

    Yellow brier, the Rosa Eglantina.