Definition of TEASE (original) (raw)

transitive verb

1

b

: to disturb or annoy by persistent irritating or provoking especially in a petty or mischievous way

c

: to annoy with petty persistent requests : pester

also : to obtain by repeated coaxing

d

: to persuade to acquiesce especially by persistent small efforts : coax

e

: to manipulate or influence as if by teasing

2

: to comb (hair) by taking hold of a strand and pushing the short hairs toward the scalp with the comb

3

: to tantalize especially by arousing desire or curiosity often without intending to satisfy it

4

a

: to disentangle and lay parallel by combing or carding

5

: to tear in pieces

especially : to shred (a tissue or specimen) for microscopic examination

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English tesen, from Old English tǣsan; akin to Old High German zeisan to tease

First Known Use

Verb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 4a

Noun

1680, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of tease was before the 12th century