[tease] vt teased ; teas.ing [ME tesen, fr. OE taesan; akin to OHG zeisan to tease] (bef. 12c) 1 a: to disentangle and lay parallel by combing or carding "~ wool" b: teasel
2: to tear in pieces; esp: to shred (a tissue or specimen) for microscopic examination 3 a: to disturb or annoy by persistent irritating or provoking esp. in a petty or mischievous way b: to annoy with petty persistent requests: pester; also: to obtain by repeated coaxing c: to persuade to acquiesce esp. by persistent small efforts: coax d: to manipulate or influence as if by teasing
4: to comb (hair) by taking hold of a strand and pushing the short hairs toward the scalp with the comb
5: to tantalize esp. by arousing desire or curiosity without intending to satisfy it syn see worry -- teas.ing.ly adv
[2]tease n (1693) 1: the act of teasing: the state of being teased
2: one that teases