teasel

Noun

1. Any of several plants of the genus Dipsacus.
2. The dried fruiting head of the fuller's teasel, Dipsacus sativa, used for teasing or carding cloth.
3. Any contrivance intended as a substitute for teasels in dressing cloth.

Verb

To raise the nap on cloth; to tease; to card.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: tasel

Inherited from Old English: tǣsel

In summary

From Middle English tasel, tesel, from Old English tǣsel, tǣsl, from Proto-West Germanic *taisilu.

Synonyms

teazel

teasle

teazle

comb

toothbrush

🪥

brush

wild teasel