kɹɒs kɹɔs ˌkɹaʊn əv ˈθɔːnz a mock crown made of thorn branches that Roman soldiers placed on Jesus before the Crucifixion somewhat climbing bushy spurge of Madagascar having long woody spiny stems with few leaves and flowers with scarlet bracts any affliction that causes great suffering that is his cross to bear he bears his afflictions like a crown of thorns