Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 briary · IPA 01 adj. having or covered with protective barbs or quills or spines or thorns etc.; -- of plants or animals. 1. having or covered with protective barbs or quills or spines or thorns etc.; -- of plants or animals. Syn. barbed, barbellate, briery, bristly, burred, burry, prickly, spiny, thorny.