Word Study
teasel
CIDE DICTIONARY
teasel, n. [OE. tesel, AS. t, t, the fuller's herb. See Tease.].
- A plant of the genus
Dipsacus , of which one species (Dipsacus fullonum ) bears a large flower head covered with stiff, prickly, hooked bracts. This flower head, when dried, is used for raising a nap on woolen cloth. [1913 Webster]" Small teasel isDipsacus pilosus , wild teasel isDipsacus sylvestris ." [1913 Webster] - A bur of this plant. [1913 Webster]
- Any contrivance intended as a substitute for teasels in dressing cloth. [1913 Webster]
teasel, v. t.
To subject, as woolen cloth, to the action of teasels, or any substitute for them which has an effect to raise a nap. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
teasel, n. & v. (also teazel, teazle)
--n.
1 any plant of the genus Dipsacus, with large prickly heads that are dried and used to raise the nap on woven cloth.
2 a device used as a substitute for teasels.
--v.tr. dress (cloth) with teasels.
--n.
1 any plant of the genus Dipsacus, with large prickly heads that are dried and used to raise the nap on woven cloth.
2 a device used as a substitute for teasels.
--v.tr. dress (cloth) with teasels.
Derivative
teaseler n.
Etymology
OE t{aelig}s(e)l, = OHG zeisala (as TEASE)
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