bull thistle

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a tall, spiny thistle, Cirsium vulgare, having heads of pink to purple flowers: a common weed in North America.

QUIZZES

In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”

Question 1 of 7

The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.

First recorded in 1860–65

Yes, the minor-league baseball player memorably portrayed by Kevin Costner in Bull Durham.
All The Wrong Reasons to Ban Gay Unions|Jay Michaelson|November 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He also said police intend to put their beloved family pet, a Staffordshire bull terrier named Excalibur, to sleep.
Ebola in Europe: What Went Wrong|Barbie Latza Nadeau|October 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Biden made many visits to Baghdad and no doubt get fed a load of bull about inclusion on each one.
Exposed: The White House’s Professor-in-Chief|Jonathan Alter|October 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Like at Bull Run, when I am in the presence of those old family letters, I am transported.
How Gettysburg Did Not Unlock the Past|Laird Hunt|September 21, 2014|DAILY BEAST

A stoic figure in a white floor length dress and razor-tailored bodice was accessorized with a giant bull skull as a mask.
Gareth Pugh's Fashion Show Lacked Fashion, But Not Passion|Justin Jones|September 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The well-known "cock and bull" stories of small children are inspired by this love of strong effect.
Children's Ways|James Sully
I thought this young man was going to read us some of his poetry; it's too tiresome of him to stop to tell us about his bull-dog.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 107, November 3, 1894|Various
And I, for one, absolutely decline to believe in this preposterous story of his about a bull-dog.
Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 107, November 3, 1894|Various
Tom leaped on one side; the buffalo-bull turned short round and made another dash at him.
Hunting the Lions|R.M. Ballantyne
Some who would face a mad bull coolly enough spring with disgust from a cockroach or a centipede.
Hunting the Lions|R.M. Ballantyne