[tuft] n [ME, modif. of MF tufe] (14c) 1 a: a small cluster of elongated flexible outgrowths attached or close together at the base and free at the opposite ends; esp: a growing bunch of grasses or close-set plants b: a bunch of soft fluffy threads cut off short and used as ornament
2: clump, cluster
3: mound
4: any of the projections of yarns drawn through a fabric or making up a fabric so as to produce a surface of raised loops or cut pile -- tuft.ed adj -- tufty adj
[2]tuft vt (1535) 1 a: to provide or adorn with a tuft b: to make (a fabric) of or with tufts
2: to make (as a mattress) firm by stitching at intervals and sewing on tufts ~ vi: to form into or grow in tufts -- tuft.er n