thyrsus

Definition

A staff topped with a conical ornament, carried by Bacchus or his followers.

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Latin thyrsus, from Ancient Greek θύρσος (thúrsos). Doublet of thyrse, torse, and torso.

Example Sentences

• "1882, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, The Poet's Calendar In my hand I bear / The thyrsus, tipped with fragrant cones of pine."
• "As good to grow on graves / As twist about a thyrsus."
• "The champagne was done, and she upturned the bottle to hold it like a thyrsus."