Standard Lemma guide

birsy

adj · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • UK: /ˈbɜːsɪ/

1

adj

Meaning 1

bristling, bristly (of an animal such as a wolf or a bear).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Scotland

Examples

  • A big, birsy, gray wolf looked over its two fallen comrades, then all at once it lifted its gaze and looked John straight in the eyes, letting out a low guttural snarl.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From birse + -y (“having the quality of”).