ˈpapəs noun
( plural pap·pi -ˌpī)
Etymology: Latin, from Greek pappos grandfather, old man, pappus, down of the chin — more at papa
1.
a. : an appendage or tuft of appendages crowning the ovary or fruit in various seed plants (as composites), being adapted for dispersal of the fruit by wind or other agencies, and consisting of all or part of the perianth modified into bristles, scales, awns, or short teeth
b. : the group of bristles formed around the fruit by the calyx of members of the Dipsacaceae, Valerianaceae, and Calyceraceae
2.
[New Latin, from Greek pappos ]
: down ; especially : the early growth of the beard