thyrsus, i, m., = θύρσος, a stalk, stem of a plant.
I Lit., Plin. 19, 8, 39, § 129; 25, 8, 41, § 81; 26, 8, 33, § 51; Suet. Aug. 77; Col. 10, 370.—
II Transf.
A A staff twined round with ivy and vine-shoots , borne by Bacchus and the Bacchantes; the Bacchic staff , thyrsus , Hor. C. 2, 19, 8; Ov. M. 3, 542; 3, 712; 4, 7; 9, 641; 11, 28; Stat. Th. 9, 614; Sen. Herc. Fur. 904; id. Oedip. 628 al. — Hence, poet. transf.,
B A thorn , goad : acri Percussit thyrso laudis spes magna meum cor, Lucr. 1, 923; Ov. Tr. 4, 1, 43.