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plural thistles
Any of several perennial composite plants, especially of genera Cirsium, Carduus, Cynara, or Onopordum, having prickly leaves and showy flower heads with prickly bracts. quotations examples
Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field [...].
1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], Genesis 3:18
This plant seen as the national emblem of Scotland. examples
(heraldry) This plant used as a charge. examples
The Order of the Thistle, or membership thereof. quotations examples
Here's a passage which will please you: ‘It is said that when rich he twice refused the thistle.’
1978, Lawrence Durrell, Livia (Avignon Quintet), Faber & Faber, published 1992, page 324