from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Tassel \Tas"sel\, n. [OE., a fastening of a mantle, OF. tassel a
fastening, clasp, F. tasseau a bracket, Fr. L. taxillus a
little die, dim. of talus a die of a longish shape, rounded
on two sides and marked only on the other four, a knuckle
bone.]
1. A pendent ornament, attached to the corners of cushions,
to curtains, and the like, ending in a tuft of loose
threads or cords.
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2. The flower or head of some plants, esp. when pendent.
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And the maize field grew and ripened, Till it stood
in all the splendor
Of its garments green and yellow,
Of its tassels and its plumage. --Longfellow.
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3. A narrow silk ribbon, or the like, sewed to a book to be
put between the leaves.
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4. (Arch.) A piece of board that is laid upon a wall as a
sort of plate, to give a level surface to the ends of
floor timbers; -- rarely used in the United States.
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{Tassel flower} (Bot.), a name of several composite plants of
the genus {Cineraria}, especially the {Cineraria
sconchifolia}, and of the blossoms which they bear.
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