Thistle
/ˈθɪs.əl/noun
A flowering plant characterized by sharp spines and often purple flowers.
Did you know?In Scottish folklore, the thistle is believed to ward off evil spirits and is a symbol of defense and resilience.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dʰes-
“To be rough or thorny.”
Old English
Old English
þistel
“A prickly plant, often used in herbal healing.”
Old High German
OHG
distilha
“A thorny plant with medicinal properties.”
Middle English
Middle English
thistel
“A prickly flower, sometimes associated with wildness.”
Modern English
English
thistle
“A general term for prickly flowering plants, often carrying symbolic meanings.”
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