GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Teasel , n. [OE. tesel, AS. tǣsel, tǣsl, the fuller's herb. See Tease.] [Written also tassel, tazel, teasle, teazel, and teazle.]
   (Bot.) A plant of the genus Dipsacus, of which one species (Dipsacus 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.
   1913 Webster
   ☞ Small teasel is Dipsacus pilosus, wild teasel is Dipsacus sylvestris.
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   A bur of this plant.
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   Any contrivance intended as a substitute for teasels in dressing cloth.
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   Teasel frame, a frame or set of iron bars in which teasel heads are fixed for raising the nap on woolen cloth.
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2.       
   Teasel, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Teaseled  or Teaselled; p. pr. & vb. n. Teaseling or Teaselling.] To subject, as woolen cloth, to the action of teasels, or any substitute for them which has an effect to raise a nap.
   1913 Webster