Main Entry: thyr·sus

Pronunciation: \ˈthər-səs\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural thyr·si \-ˌsī, -ˌsē\

Etymology: Latin, from Greek thyrsos

Date: 1591

: a staff surmounted by a pinecone or by a bunch of vine or ivy leaves with grapes or berries that is carried by Bacchus and by satyrs and others engaging in bacchic rites