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.