Etymology Map
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Tassel

3 stages from Vulgar Latin to English.

Today it means a bunch of threads tied at one end

Where does the word "tassel" come from? It comes from Vulgar Latin tassellus, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
tassellus
Vulgar Latin · ancient
"small cube, clasp"
possibly from 'taxillus', a small die
2
Stage 2 of 3
tassel
Old French · medieval
"clasp"
a clasp on a cloak
3
Stage 3 of 3
tassel
English · 1300s
"clasp; pendant"
later the ornamental bunch of threads
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Read the full story

Tassel’s story begins in Vulgar Latin: tassellus meant “small cube, clasp.” Possibly from 'taxillus', a small die. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as tassel. A clasp on a cloak. It reached English by 1300s as tassel. Later the ornamental bunch of threads. Today, tassel means a bunch of threads tied at one end.