catbrier n. A very prickly woody vine of eastern U.S. (Smilax rotundifolia) growing in tangled masses, having tough round stems with shiny leathery leaves and small greenish flowers followed by clusters of inedible shiny black berries.
... immediately begin to search through a tangle of briers, after what he imagines to be a strange bird. Then he indulges in a fit of merriment at his own jokes—'chatter-chatter-chat-chat-chat-chat-chat' he says, calling his own name as he slips away to the security of a catbrier or barberry bush. Large and vigorous and strong of beak as he is, this practical joker is wise, and does not often show his conspicuous yellow breast in ... — Citizen Bird • Mabel Osgood Wright and Elliott Coues
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