Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Tassel \Tas"sel\, n. [OE., a fastening of a mantle, OF. tassel a
   fastening, clasp, F. tasseau a bracket, Fr. L. taxillus a
   little die, dim. of talus a die of a longish shape, rounded
   on two sides and marked only on the other four, a knuckle
   bone.]
   1. A pendent ornament, attached to the corners of cushions,
      to curtains, and the like, ending in a tuft of loose
      threads or cords.

   2. The flower or head of some plants, esp. when pendent.

            And the maize field grew and ripened, Till it stood
            in all the splendor Of its garments green and
            yellow, Of its tassels and its plumage.
                                                  --Longfellow.

   3. A narrow silk ribbon, or the like, sewed to a book to be
      put between the leaves.

   4. (Arch.) A piece of board that is laid upon a wall as a
      sort of plate, to give a level surface to the ends of
      floor timbers; -- rarely used in the United States.

   {Tassel flower} (Bot.), a name of several composite plants of
      the genus {Cineraria}, especially the {C. sconchifolia},
      and of the blossoms which they bear.