Dictionary
1teasel
noun tea·sel \ˈtē-zəl\
Definition of TEASEL
1
a : an Old World prickly herb (Dipsacus fullonum of the family Dipsacaceae, the teasel family) with flower heads that are covered with stiff hooked bracts and were used especially formerly in the woolen industry —called also fuller's teasel b : a plant of the same genus as the teasel
2
a : a flower head of the fuller's teasel used when dried to raise a nap on woolen cloth b : a wire substitute for the teasel
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Illustration of TEASEL
Origin of TEASEL
Middle English tesel, from Old English tǣsel; akin to Old English tǣsan to tease
First Known Use: before 12th century
2teasel
transitive verb
tea·seled or tea·selledtea·sel·ing or tea·sel·ling \ˈtēz-liŋ, ˈtē-zə-\
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