In 6–7 brustling. [f. BRISTLE v.1 + -ING1.] The action of the verb BRISTLE; the rising on end of the hair.
1591. Percivall, Sp. Dict., Enerizamiento … bristling of the haire.
1872. Darwin, Emotions, Introd. 12. The bristling of the hair under the influence of extreme terror.
