- thyrsus

THYRSUS. A rod surmounted with a fir-cone, or a bunch of vine leaves or ivy, with grapes or berries, carried by Bacchus, and the Satyrs, Maenads, and others, during the celebration of religious rites. Beneath the garland or fir-cone the Thyrsus ends in the sharp point of a spear, a puncture from which induces madness. Two Thursi in Saltire, borne by the family of Fructuozo. (ELVN)