Acanthus
Pronunciation : A*can"thus
Part of Speech : n.; pl. E. Acanthuses
Etymology : [L., from Gr. Acantha.]
Definition : 1. (Bot.)
Defn: A genus of herbaceous prickly plants, found in the south of Europe, Asia Minor, and India; bear's-breech.
2. (Arch.)
Defn: An ornament resembling the foliage or leaves of the acanthus (Acanthus spinosus); -- used in the capitals of the Corinthian and Composite orders.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913