tassel
noun
[ ˈtas(ə)l ]
• a tuft of loosely hanging threads or cords knotted at one end and attached for decoration to soft furnishings, clothing, or other items.
• "damask curtains were held by silk cords with gold tassels"
• the tufted head of some plants, especially a flower head with prominent stamens at the top of a maize stalk.
• "the pollen forms on the tassel"
tassel
verb
• decorate with a tassel or tassels.
• "the banner was tasselled with silk and golden cords"
• (of maize or other plants) form tassels.
• "I note that two plantings of maize are tasselling at the same time"
Origin:
Middle English (also denoting a clasp for a cloak): from Old French tassel ‘clasp’, of unknown origin.
tassel
noun
• a small piece of stone or wood supporting the end of a beam or joist.
Origin:
mid 17th century: from obsolete French, from Latin taxillus ‘small die’.
