Definition of "prickliness" [prick•li•ness]

• The state or quality of being prickly. (noun)

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• "Now the same prickliness is clear when his track record as President is on the docket."
• "Whether or not the prickliness is justified, the military does bridle at civilian imposition on military culture."
• "But watching Mr Cameron at work, offering his usual mix of personal anecdote, British good manners and cautious, low-ambition optimism, the day also offered salutary reminders that this strategy struggles in the face of anger, or prickliness, that is impervious to optimism."