- tuft
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—tufter, n./tuft/, n.1. a bunch or cluster of small, usually soft and flexible parts, as feathers or hairs, attached or fixed closely together at the base and loose at the upper ends.2. a cluster of short, fluffy threads, used to decorate cloth, as for a bedspread, robe, bath mat, or window curtain.3. a cluster of cut threads, used as a decorative finish attached to the tying or holding threads of mattresses, quilts, upholstery, etc.4. a covered or finished button designed for similar use.5. a cluster of short-stalked flowers, leaves, etc., growing from a common point.6. a small clump of bushes, trees, etc.7. a gold tassel on the cap formerly worn at English universities by titled undergraduates.8. a titled undergraduateat an English university.v.t.9. to furnish or decorate with a tuft or tufts.10. to arrange in a tuft or tufts.11. Upholstery. to draw together (a cushion or the like) by passing a thread through at regular intervals, the depressions thus produced being usually ornamented with tufts or buttons.v.i.12. to form into or grow in a tuft or tufts.[1350-1400; ME, var. of toft(e) < MF tofe, toffe < ?; E parasitic t as in GRAFT1]
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Universalium. 2010.