tassel, 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.].
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A pendent ornament, attached to the corners of cushions, to curtains, and the like, ending in a tuft of loose threads or cords. [1913 Webster]
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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."
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A narrow silk ribbon, or the like, sewed to a book to be put between the leaves. [1913 Webster]
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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. [1913 Webster]
Tassel flower (Bot.), a name of several composite plants of the genus Cineraria, especially the Cineraria sconchifolia, and of the blossoms which they bear.