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.
a cluster of short, fluffy threads, used to decorate cloth, as for a bedspread, robe, bath mat, or window curtain.
a cluster of cut threads, used as a decorative finish attached to the tying or holding threads of mattresses, quilts, upholstery, etc.
a covered or finished button designed for similar use.
a cluster of short-stalked flowers, leaves, etc., growing from a common point.
a small clump of bushes, trees, etc.
a gold tassel on the cap formerly worn at English universities by titled undergraduates.
a titled undergraduate at an English university.
verb (used with object)
to furnish or decorate with a tuft or tufts.
to arrange in a tuft or tufts.
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.
verb (used without object)
to form into or grow in a tuft or tufts.
Origin of tuft
First recorded in1350–1400; Middle English, variant of toft(e), from Middle French tofe, toffe, of uncertain origin; English excrescent t as in against