Thyrsus /(?)/

Thyr·sus

Thyrsus

n.

pl. Thyrsi

  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 thyrsus.
    In my hand I bear The thyrsus, tipped with fragrant cones of pine.
  2. A species of inflorescence; a dense panicle, as in the lilac and horse-chestnut. (Bot.)