Tæsan
/ˈtæː.zɑn/noun
An Old English verb meaning to pull apart, comb, or tease fibers.
Did you know?The modern verb “tease” began with textile work: wool was teased apart before the word developed its social meaning of provoking or tormenting someone.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*taisijaną
“To pull apart or separate; the reconstructed ancestor of the Old English verb.”
Old English
Old English
tæsan
“To pull apart, comb, or prepare fibers by separating them.”
Middle English
Middle English
tesen
“To comb, card, or disentangle wool and other fibers.”
14th Century
English
teasen
“To card or comb wool; the spelling and pronunciation moved toward modern “tease.””
Modern English
English
tease
“To provoke, torment, or playfully taunt; also to pull apart or comb fibers.”