teasel

Prickly nap-raiser

A teasel is a prickly plant with spiny flower heads that were historically used to raise the nap on woolen cloth.

The dried heads, covered in stiff hooked bracts, comb through fabric to create a soft, fuzzy surface.

Though largely replaced by metal tools, teasels are still used by some textile artisans.

The verb means to brush fabric with teasels.

botanical

thistle

Spiny flowering weed

burdockPrickly-burred wild plant
burrClinging seed case
prickleTiny sharp point

bristle · spiny · barbed · hooked · flowerhead · seedhead · scabious · valerian · wildflower · biennial

textile

carding

Preparing fibers for spinning

nappingSleeping briefly, often midday
fullingThickening cloth by beating
fleeceWool still on sheep

wool · fiber · cloth · fabric · finishing · raising · brushing · pile · velvet · handcraft

tool

comb

Toothed grooming implement

cardStiff paper rectangle
napBrief daytime rest
raiseLift or increase

brush · hook · wire · frame · handle · implement · gig · tenter · fuller · traditional

Categories

thorny plantsbriar, blackberry, bramble, thistle, brambles
weedsdandelion, crabgrass, thistle, nettles, ragweed
Biennialsfoxglove, hollyhock, parsley, carrot, onion
Invasive Plantskudzu, garlic mustard, English ivy, water hyacinth, buckthorn
Teaselsscabious
Honeysuckle Familyhoneysuckle, elderberry, viburnum, abelia, snowberry

Opposites

texture/surface quality

teaselvelvet

Thick-pile textile

silk · down · satin · fleece · lamb's ear

textile processing function

teaselmangle

Severely damage or distort

press · flatiron · burnisher · fabric softener

Phrases

brain teasersPuzzles requiring clever thought
tease outExtract with patience
strip teaseProvocative undressing performance
teasing outGradually extracting something hidden
tease apart
teaser rateTemporary low introductory interest

Family

tease, teasing, teaser, teases, teasers

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G