TASSEL

n. & v. --n. 1 a tuft of loosely hanging threads or cords etc. attached for decoration to a cushion, scarf, cap, etc. 2 a tassel-like head of some plants, esp. a flower-head with prominent stamens at the top of a maize stalk. --v. (tasselled, tasselling; US tasseled, tasseling) 1 tr. provide with a tassel or tassels. 2 intr. US (of maize etc.) form tassels. [ME f. OF tas(s)el clasp, of unkn. orig.]