prickliness

prickly +‎ -ness

• IPA^(key): /ˈpɹɪklɪnəs/

prickliness (usually uncountable, plural pricklinesses)

1. The state or quality of being prickly.
   • 1661, J. Childrey, Brit. Baconica, page 105:

     The sharp prickliness of its finnes.

   • 1725, Bradley, Fam. Dict., volume II, s.v. Presage:

     A Thistle…assuming a new Form, and without any prickliness.

   • 1878 August 15th, A. Forbes, Daily News, page 6/2:

     Closer inspection disclosed the furious and impossible prickliness of their surface.

• James A. H. Murray [et al.], editors (1884–1928), “Pri·ckliness”, in A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles (Oxford English Dictionary), volumes VII (O–P), London: Clarendon Press, →OCLC, page 1349, column 3.