Acanthus \A*can"thus\, n.; pl. E. Acanthuses, L. Acanthi. [L., from Gr. ?. Cf. Acantha.]

1. (Bot.) A genus of herbaceous prickly plants, found in the south of Europe, Asia Minor, and India; bear's-breech.

2. (Arch.) 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 Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)