Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Thyrsus
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1.
A staff entwined with ivy, and surmounted by a pine cone, or by a bunch of vine or ivy leaves with grapes or berries. It is an attribute of Bacchus, and of the satyrs and others engaging in Bacchic rites.
A good to grow on graves
As twist about a
As twist about a
thyrsus
. Mrs. Browning.
In my hand I bear
The
The
thyrsus
, tipped with fragrant cones of pine. Longfellow.
2.
(Bot.)
A species of inflorescence; a dense panicle, as in the lilac and horse-chestnut.