Definition of 'crown of thorns'

Noun

1. any affliction that causes great suffering; "that is his cross to bear"; "he bears his afflictions like a crown of thorns"
      Synonyms: cross
2. somewhat climbing bushy spurge of Madagascar having long woody spiny stems with few leaves and flowers with scarlet bracts
      Synonyms: Christ thorn Christ plant Euphorbia milii
3. a mock crown made of thorn branches that Roman soldiers placed on Jesus before the Crucifixion

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