Definition of briar

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< Briansk

briar >

bri·ar¹ also bri·er    (brr) KEY 

NOUN:

1. A Mediterranean shrub or small tree (Erica arborea) whose hard, woody roots are used to make tobacco pipes.
2. A pipe made from the root of this plant or from a similar wood.

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ETYMOLOGY:
French bruyère, heath, from Old French, from Vulgar Latin *brcria, from Late Latin brcus, heather, of Celtic origin; see wer-² in Indo-European roots