thistly

[ this-lee, -uh-lee ]

adjective

1. filled with or having many thistles.
2. suggesting a growth of thistles, especially in being difficult or painful to handle:

   a thistly set of problems.

Word History and Origins

Origin of thistly¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; thistle + -y ¹

Example Sentences

There was disruption on Scotland's roads with the A1 Tyne Bridge closed in both directions, as well as the southbound A1 between Thistly Cross to Dunbar and the stretch between Spott to Cockburnspath.

From BBC

Scoop out the thistly “choke” with a spoon, brush the artichoke with extra-virgin olive oil and grill over a screaming hot fire until browned on all sides.

From New York Times

The road was shut to all traffic between Haddington and Thistly Cross on Tuesday.

From BBC

At the High Court in Edinburgh Friel admitted causing her death by dangerous driving between the Spott and Thistly Cross roundabouts.

From BBC

This makes Dad chuckle under his breath in a thistly way.

From Literature