crown of thorns

Other forms: crowns of thorns

Definitions of crown of thorns

1. noun

   a mock crown made of thorn branches that Roman soldiers placed on Jesus before the Crucifixion
   type of:

   crown

   a wreath or garland worn on the head to signify victory
2. noun

   any affliction that causes great suffering
   “he bears his afflictions like a crown of thorns”

   synonyms: cross

   type of:

   affliction

   a state of great suffering and distress due to adversity
3. noun

   somewhat climbing bushy spurge of Madagascar having long woody spiny stems with few leaves and flowers with scarlet bracts
   synonyms: Christ plant, Christ thorn, Euphorbia milii

   type of:

   spurge

   any of numerous plants of the genus Euphorbia; usually having milky often poisonous juice