Teasel
/ˈtiːzəl/noun
A prickly plant of the genus Dipsacus, especially one once used to raise the nap on cloth.
Did you know?Teasel’s English name is traditionally linked to Old English words meaning “to comb or card,” which fits its historical use on textiles rather than any magical meaning.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
tǣsl
“A teasel or carding implement/plant associated with teasing out fibers”
Middle English
ME
tesel
“The prickly plant used to raise the nap on cloth”
Early Modern English
English
teasel
“Standardized spelling of the plant name”
Modern English
English
teasel
“A spiny plant used in textile finishing and now usually grown ornamentally”