What does tasselling mean?
Tasselling denotes an ornamental tuft or pendant made from threads, cords, or fabric, especially one attached to a cap, garment, uniform, or ceremonial object. Such decorations can suggest formal dress, tradition, ceremony, or military and academic status, depending on their material and arrangement. The word may also refer collectively to trimming made from tassels. As a verb, tasselling means to attach tassels to something or furnish it with this form of decoration, as when a craft worker trims a cap with cords. In ordinary modern English, the shorter noun “tassel” is generally more frequent, while “tasselling” can be useful when emphasis falls on the ornament, its material, or the act of attaching it. British English normally uses the doubled-l spelling “tasselling”; the corresponding American spelling is “tasseling.”
A small ornamental tuft or pendant of threads, cords, or fabric attached to clothing, a cap, or ceremonial dress; also, collectively, decoration made from tassels.
"Gold tasselling edged the velvet robe."
The plural “tassellings” is possible but uncommon; “tassels” is more natural when referring to several individual ornaments.
To furnish or ornament something with tassels.
"She was tasselling a ceremonial cap for the performance."
This form is commonly used as a present participle or gerund; the corresponding simple form is “tassel.”
The plural is uncommon in modern usage. “Tassels” is normally preferred for several individual ornaments, while “tasselling” may be used collectively for decorative trimming.
"The coat was edged with gold tassellings."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tasselling come from?
Tasselling derives from the English word “tassel,” which entered Middle English from French during the late medieval period. The French word has been connected with Latin terms for a projecting tag or small hanging piece, although the precise remote origin of the word remains debated. English developed the form with the suffix “-ing,” allowing it to function as a gerund or present participle and, in some contexts, as a noun.
Related word forms
How tasselling is actually used
The doubled-l spelling is standard in British English; American English usually writes “tasseling.” As a noun, “tasselling” is less common than “tassel” and may refer to an individual ornament or collectively to decorative trimming.