Tassel

(Synop., §130), n. [O. Fr. tassel, tassiel, N. Fr. tasseau, a tassel, bracket, It. tassello, the little collar of a cloak, from Lat. taxillus, a little die, diminutive of talus, a die of a longish shape, rounded on two sides and marked only on the other four.]

1. A sort of pendent ornament, attached to the corners of cushions, to curtains, and the like, ending in loose threads.
2. The pendent flower or head of some plants, as of maize.

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.

3. A small ribbon of silk sewed to a book to be put between the leaves.
4. (Arch.) A piece of board that lies under the mantel-tree.
5. A kind of burr used in dressing cloth; a teasel. See TEASEL.