catbrier

[ kat-brahy-er ]

noun

1. any prickly vine of the genus Smilax, especially S. rotundifolia, of eastern North America, growing in tangled masses.

Word History and Origins

Origin of catbrier¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; cat ( def ) + brier ¹

Example Sentences

In the common catbrier or smilax we see two slender thread-like tendrils growing from the base of each leaf.

From Project Gutenberg

Sometimes it is a stem of the catbrier; again a rose or blackberry.

From Project Gutenberg

The sun was behind the cedar and barberry and catbrier banks.

From Project Gutenberg

There was privet budding and hawthorn fading, and barberry and catbrier and wild grape, in fresh June coloring.

From Project Gutenberg