teasel

¹tea·sel

noun \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

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

Rhymes with TEASEL

bezel, deasil, diesel, easel, measle, weasel