brusle

verb

1. (obsolete, transitive)To cause (something) to bristle or stand erect.

   “[…] for queſtionleſſe ſhe fayneth herſelfe to bee diſtracted for no other ende, but to enioy eaſie and good daies, who in this point diſcouereth herſelfe; for ſometimes ſhee will goe into the hen-loft, and get her into the corner where the hen ſittes, crying, co co co, to ſhew like an hen that ſhe hath layd an egge; but if any goe to take it vp, ſhe cryeth no more after that manner, bruſling her feathers , or cackling like an hen; […]”

   “In the interim, Ruthwen conſults with the Earle Gowrie his brother, and according to the Latine ° proverbe , the aſpe ſuckes poyſon from the viper, wherewith he ſwelleth , and bruſling up himſelfe, flies at his Majeſtie the ſecond time to ſting him to death , and wrapping about him , begins to bind his royall hands; […]”

   “But when the Sun behind th' opacous Globe Suffer'd Ecclipſe,Cold, pierc'd her ſlender Robe ; At which ſhe waking, bruſles up her Tail, Then lighting pearch'd upon the neighbouring Pale ; […]”

2. (intransitive, obsolete)To bristle; to brustle; to react with fierceness, fear, suspicion, distance, or defiance.

   “For however the feebleneſſe and paucity of leſſer Sects and Factions in Religion in ſome places, their mutuall Diviſions and inteſtine Quarrels in others (being like the Birds called Ruffs, ever bruſling and pecking againſt each other) may make them ſeem at preſent not ſo dangerous or pernicious, […]”