briar
n.n. a plant with many thorns, or a pipe made from the wood of such a plant. People often use this word for a specific type of pipe that is carved and decorated.
n. a plant of the genus Rubus, characterized by thorny stems and compound leaves; also refers to a pipe made from the wood of such a plant. Often used to describe a specific style of carved, decorative pipe.
He smoked a small briar pipe every morning.
The gardener carefully trimmed the briar bushes to prevent them from damaging the fence.
The artisan spent years carving intricate patterns into the briar wood, eventually creating a pipe that was both functional and a piece of high art.
From Middle English brere, from Old English brēr [Old Mercian], brǣr (“briar, bramble”); further origin unknown, perhaps related to Old French bruiere (“heather”) (French bruyère). Compare Old Norse brǫrr (“briar”), whence Icelandic brörr.
From French bruyère, assimilated with Etymology 1, above.