Gōrse, n.

n. [A-S. gōrst, gost. Cf. O. H. Ger. grast, hay, equivalent to gras, O. D. gors, ghers, gars, gras, grass, herb, A-S. gears, gärs, grass, q. v.] (Bot.) A thick, prickly shrub, of the genus Ulex (U. Europæus), bearing yellow flowers in winter; furze; whin. “Pricking gorse and thorns.” Shak.