Definition of
Tassel
- (noun, artifact) adornment consisting of a bunch of cords fastened at one end
via WordNet, Princeton University
Origin of the word Tassel
- c.1300, "mantle fastener," from O.Fr. tassel "a fastening, clasp" (c.1150), from V.L. *tassellus, said to be from L. taxillus "small die or cube," a dim. of talus "knucklebone, ankle" (see talus (1)). But OED finds this doubtful and calls attention to the variant form tossel and suggests association with toss (v.). Meaning "hanging bunch of sm more
via Online Etymology Dictionary, ©2001 Douglas Harper