The rocks, too, were overhung with wild vines and briers, which completely matted themselves together, and opposed a barrier to all ingress; every movement that he made, shook down a shower from the dripping foliage.
"Bracebridge Hall, or The Humorists"
Washington Irving
They proceeded slowly, for the briers were so thick in many places that they could hardly make any progress at all when they neared the branch.
"Two Little Confederates"
Thomas Nelson Page
My legs is all tored with briers and things.
"Girls of the Forest"
L. T. Meade