crown of thorns: Meaning and Definition of

crown' of thorns'

Pronunciation: [key]
  1. a climbing spurge, Euphorbia milii splendens, of Madagascar, having stems covered with spines.
  2. See
  3. a painful burden, as of suffering, guilt, anxiety, etc.: from the wreath of thorns placed on Jesus' head to mock Him before He was crucified. Matt. 27:29; Mark 15:17; John 19:2, 5.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.