tassel

[tas-uhl]

noun

1. a pendent ornament consisting commonly of a bunch of threads, small cords, or other strands hanging from a roundish knob or head, used on clothing, in jewelry, on curtains, etc.

2. something resembling this, as the inflorescence of certain plants, especially that at the summit of a stalk of corn.

verb (used with object)

tasseled, tasseling , tasselled, tasselling .

1. to furnish or adorn with tassels.

2. to form into a tassel or tassels.

3. to remove the tassel from (growing corn) in order to improve the crop.

verb (used without object)

tasseled, tasseling , tasselled, tasselling .

1. (of corn) to put forth tassels (often followed byout ).

tassel

/ ˈtæsəl /

noun

1. a tuft of loose threads secured by a knot or ornamental knob, used to decorate soft furnishings, clothes, etc

2. anything resembling this tuft, esp the tuft of stamens at the tip of a maize inflorescence

verb

1. (tr) to adorn with a tassel or tassels

2. (intr) (of maize) to produce stamens in a tuft

3. (tr) to remove the tassels from

Other Word Forms

• tasselly adjective
• tasseler noun
• detassel verb (used with object)
• untasseled adjective
• untasselled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tassel¹

1250–1300; Middle English (noun) < Old French tas ( s ) el fastening for cloak < Vulgar Latin *tassellus, blend of Latin tessella (diminutive of tessera die for gaming) and taxillus (diminutive of tālus die for gaming). See tessellate, talus ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of tassel¹

C13: from Old French, from Vulgar Latin tassellus (unattested), changed from Latin taxillus a small die, from tālus gaming die

Example Sentences

All eyes are on this bag with neon yellow shoelace tassels as Thomas reaches for the worn leather strap — a patina that every leather goods owner hopes for, especially in a reclaimed vintage treasure.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Beyoncé's rodeo rumbled into London, bringing with it every country cliché you could think of - cowboy hats, horseshoes, tassels and even a gold mechanical bull.

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A penny loafer with subtle studs and detachable tassels?

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The Sultan this morning/afternoon is in full military regalia, a green jacket with tassels thrown over the shoulder and a military cap, his usual outfit for hosting.

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The show was described by many as dramatic - with dresses that more closely resembled lampshades, complete with delightful feathers, tassels and tulle.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• brink 
• edge 
• hem 
• outskirts 
• perimeter 
• periphery 
• skirt 
• verge