TEASE

I. transitive verb (~d; teasing) Etymology: Middle English tesen, from Old English tǣsan; akin to Old High German zeisan to ~ Date: before 12th century 1. to disentangle and lay parallel by combing or carding , ~l , to tear in pieces, 3. to disturb or annoy by persistent irritating or provoking especially in a petty or mischievous way, to annoy with petty persistent requests ; pester , to persuade to acquiesce especially by persistent small efforts ; coax , to manipulate or influence as if by teasing, to make fun of ; kid , to comb (hair) by taking hold of a strand and pushing the short hairs toward the scalp with the comb, to tantalize especially by arousing desire or curiosity often without intending to satisfy it, see: worry teasingly adverb II. noun Date: 1680 the act of teasing ; the state of being ~d, one that ~s