~ 1
■ noun
1》 a tuft of hanging threads, knotted together at one end and used for decoration in soft furnishing and clothing.
2》 the tufted head of some plants, especially a flower head with prominent stamens at the top of a maize stalk.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ling , ~led ; US ~s , ~ing , ~ed )
1》 provide with a ~ or ~s.
2》 N. Amer. (of maize or other plants) form ~s.
Derivatives
~led adjective
Origin
ME: from OFr. ~ 'clasp', of unknown origin.
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~ 2
■ noun a small piece of stone or wood supporting the end of a beam or joist.
Origin
C17: from obs. Fr., from L. taxillus 'small die'.