tassel1

 
Pronunciation: /ˈtas(ə)l/

noun

  • a tuft of loosely hanging threads or cords knotted at one end and attached for decoration to soft furnishings, clothing, or other items: damask curtains were held by silk cords with gold tassels
  • the tufted head of some plants, especially a flower head with prominent stamens at the top of a maize stalk: the pollen forms on the tassel

verb (tassels, tasselling, tasselled; US tassels, tasseling, tasseled)

  • 1 [with object] (usually as adjective tasselled) provide with a tassel or tassels: tasselled curtains
  • 2 [no object] North American (of maize or other plants) form tassels: I note that two plantings of maize are tasselling at the same time

Origin:

Middle English (also denoting a clasp for a cloak): from Old French tassel 'clasp', of unknown origin