Dictionary definition · bristle
noun
- a stiff fiber (coarse hair or filament); natural or synthetic
- a stiff hair
verb
- be in a state of movement or action"The room abounded with screaming children"
- rise up as in fear"The dog's fur bristled"
- have or be thickly covered with or as if with bristles"bristling leaves"
- react in an offended or angry manner"He bristled at her suggestion that he should teach her how to use the program"
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).