tas|sel

tas|sel¹ «TAS uhl», noun, verb, -seled, -sel|ing or (especially British) -selled, -sel|ling.

–n.

1. a hanging bunch of threads, small cords, beads, or the like, fastened together at one end; pendant.

2. any bunch of hairs, threads, or the like, hanging like this.

3. the cluster of long stems bearing small flowers that hangs from the top of a cornstalk.

4. a hanging catkin, blossom, flower, or bud in any tree or plant.

–v.t.

1. to put tassels on, especially as decoration.

2. to gather into a tassel or tassels.

3. to take tassels from.

–v.i.

to grow tassels: »

Corn tassels just before the ears form.

╂[< Old French tassel mantle fastener, probably < Vulgar Latin tassellus stick for drawing lots, a die, alteration of Latin taxillus a small die]

tas|sel² «TAS uhl», noun.

Archaic. a short board under the end of a beam where it rests on brickwork or stonework. Also, torsel, tossel.

╂[< Old French tassel a plug < Latin taxillus a small die. Compare etym. under tassel¹. (Cf. ↑tassel)]

tas|sel³ «TAS uhl», noun.

Obsolete. tercel.