A*can"thus (#), n.; pl. E. Acanthuses (#), L. Acanthi (#). [L., from Gr. . Cf. Acantha.]
1. Bot.
A genus of herbaceous prickly plants, found in the south of Europe, Asia Minor, and India; bear's-breech.
2. Arch.
An ornament resembling the foliage or leaves of the acanthus (Acanthus spinosus); -- used in the capitals of the Corinthian and Composite orders.
© Webster 1913.