n. [ OE. tesel, AS. t&aemacr_;sel, t&aemacr_;sl, the fuller's herb. See Tease. ] [ Written also tassel, tazel, teasle, teazel, and teazle. ] 1. (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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A bur of this plant. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Any contrivance intended as a substitute for teasels in dressing cloth. [ 1913 Webster ]

Teasel frame, a frame or set of iron bars in which teasel heads are fixed for raising the nap on woolen cloth. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Teaseled r 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 ]

n. One who uses teasels for raising a nap on cloth. [ Written also teaseller, teasler. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The cutting and gathering of teasels; the use of teasels. [ Written also teaselling, teazling. ] [ 1913 Webster ]