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1covered in prickles: masses of prickly brambles
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resembling prickles: his hair was prickly and short
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having or causing a tingling or itching sensation: prickly velvet seats my skin feels prickly
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2(of a person) ready to take offence: she came across as prickly and generally difficult
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(of a subject, issue, etc.) likely to cause offence or controversy: this is a prickly subject
