Hassock
/ˈhæsək/noun
A small cushion or padded seat, especially one used for kneeling or sitting on the floor.
Did you know?In Middle English, *hassock* referred to a coarse tuft of grass or sedge, and only later shifted to the padded church cushion, showing how everyday words can move from the wild ground to sacred ritual.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
hæsuc
“A coarse tuft or tussock of grass; rough vegetation.”
Middle English
ME
hassok
“A tuft of grass or sedge.”
16th Century
English
hassock
“A mat or cushion, especially one used for kneeling in church.”
Modern English
English
hassock
“A small padded cushion or low seat.”