[chaff] n [ME chaf, fr. OE ceaf; akin to OHG cheva husk] (bef. 12c) 1: the seed coverings and other debris separated from the seed in threshing grain
2: something comparatively worthless
3: the scales borne on the receptacle among the florets in the heads of many composite plants
4: material (as strips of foil or clusters of fine wires) ejected into the air for reflecting radar waves (as for confusing an enemy's radar detection or for tracking a descending spacecraft) -- chaffy adj
[2]chaff n [prob. fr. [1]chaff] (1821): light jesting talk: banter [3]chaff vt (1827): to tease good-naturedly ~ vi: jest, banter