n. (also pompom)
1. an ornamental ball or bobble made of wool, silk, or ribbons, usu. worn on women's or children's hats or clothing.
2 the round tuft on a soldier's cap, the front of a shako, etc.
3 (often attrib.) a dahlia or chrysanthemum with small tightly-clustered petals.
Etymology: F, of unkn. orig.