[tas.sel] n [ME, clasp, tassel, fr. MF, fr. (assumed) VL tassellus, alter. of L taxillus small die; akin to L talus anklebone, die] (14c) 1: a dangling ornament made by laying parallel a bunch of cords or threads of even length and fastening them at one end
2: something resembling a tassel; esp: the terminal male inflorescence of some plants and esp. Indian corn
[2]tassel vb -seled or -selled ; -sel.ing or -sel.ling vt (14c): to adorn with tassels ~ vi: to put forth tassel inflorescences