Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Tassel
Tas′sel
,Noun.
[OE., a fastening of a mantle, OF.
tassel
a fastening, clasp, F. tasseau
a bracket, Fr. L. taxillus
a little die, dim. of talus
a die of a longish shape, rounded on two sides and marked only on the other four, a knuckle bone.] 1.
A pendent ornament, attached to the corners of cushions, to curtains, and the like, ending in a tuft of loose threads or cords.
2.
The flower or head of some plants, esp. when pendent.
And the maize field grew and ripened, Till it stood in all the splendor
Of its garments green and yellow,
Of its
Of its garments green and yellow,
Of its
tassels
and its plumage. Longfellow.
3.
A narrow silk ribbon, or the like, sewed to a book to be put between the leaves.
4.
(Arch.)
A piece of board that is laid upon a wall as a sort of plate, to give a level surface to the ends of floor timbers; – rarely used in the United States.
Tassel flower
(Bot.)
, a name of several composite plants of the genus
Cineraria
, especially the Cineraria sconchifolia
, and of the blossoms which they bear.Tas′sel
,Verb.
I.
[
imp. & p. p.
Tasseled
or Tasselled
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Tasseling
or Tasselling
.] To put forth a tassel or flower;
as, maize
. tassels
Tas′sel
,Verb.
T.
To adorn with tassels.
Chaucer.
Webster 1828 Edition
Tassel
TAS'SEL
, n.1.
A sort of pendant ornament, attached to the corners of cushions, to curtains and the like, ending in loose threads.2.
A small ribbon of silk sewed to a book, to be put between the leaves.3.
In building, tassels are the pieces of boards that lie under the mantle-tree.4.
A burr. [See Teasel.]5.
A male hawk; properly terzol.