Thyr"sus (?), n.; pl. Thyrsi (#). [L., fr. Gr. . Cf. Torso.]
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.
Mrs. Browning.
In my hand I bear
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.
© Webster 1913.