Lewis & Short

† thyrsus, i, m., = θύρσος, a stalk, stem of a plant.

  1. I. Lit., Plin. 19, 8, 39, § 129; 25, 8, 41, § 81; 26, 8, 33, § 51; Suet. Aug. 77; Col. 10, 370.
  2. II. Transf.
    1. 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.,
    2. B. A thorn, goad: acri Percussit thyrso laudis spes magna meum cor, Lucr. 1, 923; Ov. Tr. 4, 1, 43.