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teasel

noun
tea·​sel | \ ˈtÄ“-zÉ™l How to pronounce teasel (audio) \

Definition of teasel

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1a : 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
2a : 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

teasel

verb
teaseled or teaselled; teaseling or teaselling\ ˈtÄ“z-​liÅ‹ How to pronounce teaselling (audio) , ˈtÄ“-​zÉ™-​ \

Definition of teasel (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to nap (cloth) with teasels

Illustration of teasel

Illustration of teasel

Noun

teasel 1a

In the meaning defined above

Examples of teasel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

 One of those, teasel, has taken over open hillsides on the east bank of the river south of W. Cleveland Ave. — Don Behm, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Concrete bed of Kinnickinnic River in Pulaski Park to be removed for recreational and safety upgrades," 7 May 2018 Some Indian tailors who make expensive clothing use cashmere refined by an Irish mill, the last one in the world apparently, and use teasel for that purpose. — Margaret Lauterbach, idahostatesman, "Some non-native weeds flourish in Idaho," 31 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'teasel.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of teasel

Noun

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1543, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for teasel

Noun

Middle English tesel, from Old English tǣsel; akin to Old English tǣsan to tease

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More from Merriam-Webster on teasel

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with teasel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about teasel

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