1. (n.) A hard and sharp-pointed projection from a woody stem; usually, a branch so transformed; a spine.

2. (n.) Any shrub or small tree which bears thorns; especially, any species of the genus Crataegus, as the hawthorn, whitethorn, cockspur thorn.

3. (n.) Fig.: That which pricks or annoys as a thorn; anything troublesome; trouble; care.

4. (n.) The name of the Anglo-Saxon letter /, capital form /. It was used to represent both of the sounds of English th, as in thin, then. So called because it was the initial letter of thorn, a spine.

5. (v. t.) To prick, as with a thorn.

adherent adhesive affliction annoyance bane barb barnacle bitter cup bitter draft bitter draught bitter pill bother bramble brier bristle bugbear bulldog burden burden of care burr cactus calamity cankerworm of care care catchweed cement cleavers cross crown of thorns crushing burden curse death decal decalcomania destruction disease distress encumbrance evil gall gall and wormwood glue goose grass grievance gunk harm infliction irritant irritation leech limpet load molasses mucilage needle nemesis nettle nuisance open wound oppression pack of troubles paste peck of troubles pest pestilence pine needle plague plaster point prickle quill remora running sore scourge sea of troubles sorrow spicule spiculum spike spikelet spine sticker syrup thistle torment torture trouble vexation visitation waters of bitterness weight woe yucca