n.
Pronunciation: ' th ə r-s ə s
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural thyr · si \ - ˌ s ī , - ˌ s ē \
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