Teasel

['tiːz(ə)l]

Definition

(noun.) any of several herbs of the genus Dipsacus native to the Old World having flower heads surrounded by spiny bracts.

Checked by Annabelle--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) A plant of the genus Dipsacus, of which one species (D. fullonum) bears a large flower head covered with stiff, prickly, hooked bracts. This flower head, when dried, is used for raising a nap on woolen cloth.

(n.) A bur of this plant.

(n.) Any contrivance intended as a substitute for teasels in dressing cloth.

(v. t.) To subject, as woolen cloth, to the action of teasels, or any substitute for them which has an effect to raise a nap.

Editor: Yvonne

Definition

n. a plant with large burs or heads covered with stiff hooked awns which are used in raising a nap on cloth—also Teaz′el Teaz′le.—v.t. to raise a nap on with the teasel:—pr.p. teas′eling; pa.t. and pa.p. teas′eled.—ns. Teas′eler; Teas′eling the act of raising a nap on cloth.

Editor: Pasquale