the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
adj. Overgrown with thistles.
adj. Fig.: Resembling a thistle or thistles; sharp; pricking.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
Consisting of or abounding in thistles.
Resembling a thistle or some attribute of a thistle; prickly.
Word Usage
"His Scotch blood (for that he was of Scotch descent there could be no manner of doubt) gave him just the kind of thistly dignity which made every one feel that they must treat him with respect; so on that head he was assured."