Thôrn, n.

[A-S. thorn, thyrn, O. Sax., O. Fries., & Icel. thorn, Dan. torn, Sw. törne, D. doorn, do-ren, Ger. dorn, Goth. thaur-nus; Pol. tarn, Bo-hem. trn, Slav. trŭn, W. draen, Ir. & Gael. droigh-eann, droighionn.]

1Sense 1. A sharp, ligneous, or woody shoot from the stem of a tree or shrub; a sharp process from the woody part of a plant; a spine.

☞ Thorn differs from prickle; the latter being applied to the sharp points issuing from the bark of a plant, and not attached to the wood, as in the rose and bramble. But, in common usage, thorn is often applied to the prickle of the rose, and, in fact, the two words are used promiscuously.

2Sense 2. A tree or shrub armed with spines, or sharp, ligneous shoots; as, the blackthorn, whitethorn, hawthorn, buckthorn; — sometimes incorrectly applied to a bush with prickles; as, a rose on a thorn.

3Sense 3. Hence, that which pricks or annoys as a thorn; any thing troublesome; trouble; care.

The guilt of empire, all its thorns and cares, Be only mine. Southern.