Teasel (?), 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.
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&hand_; Small teasel is Dipsacus pilosus, wild teasel is Dipsacus sylvestris.
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2. A bur of this plant.
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3. Any contrivance intended as a substitute for teasels in dressing cloth.
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Teasel frame, a frame or set of iron bars in which teasel heads are fixed for raising the nap on woolen cloth.
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