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tassel

(tas′əl)

noun

Obsolete a clasp or fibula
an ornamental tuft of threads, cords, etc. of equal length, hanging loosely from a knob or from the knot by which they are tied together
something resembling this; specif., the tassel-like inflorescence of some plants, as corn

Origin: ME < OFr, knob, knot, button < VL *tassellus, altered < L taxillus, a small die (akin to talus, ankle), based on L tessella, small cube, piece of mosaic

transitive verb tasseled or tasselled, tasseling or tasselling

to ornament with tassels

intransitive verb

to grow tassels, as corn

noun

Obsolete tiercel

See tassel in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A bunch of loose threads or cords bound at one end and hanging free at the other, used as an ornament on curtains or clothing, for example.
Something that resembles such an ornament, especially the pollen-bearing inflorescence of a corn plant.

verb tas·seled or tas·selled, tas·sel·ing or tas·sel·ling, tas·sels

verb, transitive

To fringe or decorate with tassels.

verb, intransitive

To put forth a tassellike inflorescence. Used especially of corn.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French, fastening, clasp

Origin: , from Vulgar Latin *tassellus

Origin: , blend of Latin tessella, small die; see tessellate

Origin: , taxillus

Origin: , diminutive of tālus, knucklebone, ankle