tussie-mussie

[ tuhs-ee-muhs-ee ]

/ ˈtʌs iˈmʌs i /

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noun

a small bunch of flowers or herbs.

a cone-shaped holder for a bouquet.

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON “ITS” VS. “IT’S”!

Apostrophes can be tricky; prove you know the difference between "it’s" and "its" in this crafty quiz!

Question 1 of 8

On the farm, the feed for chicks is significantly different from the roosters’; ______ not even comparable.

Also called tuzzy-muzzy.

Origin of tussie-mussie

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English tusmose, tussemose; further origin uncertain

She certainly frowned at Tussie and asked herself what could possess the man to keep on speaking to her.
The Princess Priscilla's Fortnight|Elizabeth von Arnim
"Yes," said Tussie, his eyes on her mouth—surely a mouth only made for kindness and gentle words.
The Princess Priscilla's Fortnight|Elizabeth von Arnim
Having bowed to Tussie Fritzing sat down again with the elaboration of one who means to stay a long while.
The Princess Priscilla's Fortnight|Elizabeth von Arnim
Lady Shuttleworth turned angrily on Fritzing—she was indeed greatly irritated by Tussie's unaccountable behaviour.
The Princess Priscilla's Fortnight|Elizabeth von Arnim

Now all this was very bad, but the greatest blow for Lady Shuttleworth fell when Tussie declared that he would not come of age.
The Princess Priscilla's Fortnight|Elizabeth von Arnim