Definition of Thistle

This´tle
n.1.(Bot.) Any one of several prickly composite plants, especially those of the genera Cnicus, Craduus, and Onopordon. The name is often also applied to other prickly plants.
Blessed thistle
Carduus benedictus, so named because it was formerly considered an antidote to the bite of venomous creatures.
Bull thistle
Cnicus lanceolatus, the common large thistle of neglected pastures.
Canada thistle
Cnicus arvensis, a native of Europe, but introduced into the United States from Canada.
Cotton thistle
Onopordon Acanthium.
Fuller's thistle
the teasel.
Globe thistle
etc. See under Globe, Melon, etc.
Pine thistle
Atractylis gummifera, a native of the Mediterranean region. A vicid gum resin flows from the involucre.
Scotch thistle
either the cotton thistle, or the musk thistle, or the spear thistle; - all used national emblems of Scotland.
Sow thistle
Sonchus oleraceus.
Spear thistle
Same as Bull thistle.
Star thistle
a species of Centaurea. See Centaurea.
Torch thistle
a candelabra-shaped plant of the genus Cereus. See Cereus.
Yellow thistle
Cincus horridulus.
Thistle bird
(Zool.) the American goldfinch, or yellow-bird (Spinus tristis); - so called on account of its feeding on the seeds of thistles. See Illust. under Goldfinch.
Thistle butterfly
(Zool.) a handsomely colored American butterfly (Vanessa cardui) whose larva feeds upon thistles; - called also painted lady.
Thistle cock
(Zool.) the corn bunting (Emberiza militaria).
Thistle crown
a gold coin of England of the reign of James I., worth four shillings.
Thistle finch
(Zool.) the goldfinch; - so called from its fondness for thistle seeds.
Thistle funnel
a funnel having a bulging body and flaring mouth.


Related Words

armory, badge, badge of office, badges, baton, blazonry, bramble, brassard, brier, bristle, burr, button, cactus, cap and gown, catchweed, chain, chain of office, class ring, cleavers, cockade, collar, cross, decoration, dress, eagle, emblems, ensigns, fasces, figurehead, fleur-de-lis, goose grass, hammer and sickle, heraldry, insignia, lapel pin, livery, mace, mantle, markings, medal, mortarboard, needle, nettle, old school tie, pin, pine needle, prickle, quill, regalia, ring, rose, school ring, shamrock, sigillography, skull and crossbones, sphragistics, spicule, spiculum, spike, spikelet, spine, staff, sticker, swastika, tartan, thorn, tie, uniform, verge, wand, yucca

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