\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.
         A good to grow on graves As twist about a thyrsus.
                                               --Mrs.
                                               Browning.
         In my hand I bear The thyrsus, tipped with fragrant
         cones of pine.                        --Longfellow.
2. (Bot.) A species of inflorescence; a dense panicle, as in
   the lilac and horse-chestnut.