from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Thyrsus \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.
[1913 Webster]
A good to grow on graves
As twist about a thyrsus. --Mrs.
Browning.
[1913 Webster]
In my hand I bear
The thyrsus, tipped with fragrant cones of pine.
--Longfellow.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Bot.) A species of inflorescence; a dense panicle, as in
the lilac and horse-chestnut.
[1913 Webster]