tussock

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a compact tuft or clump of grass or similar vegetation, often forming a small raised mound

   He stumbled over a tussock of coarse grass beside the path.

2. 2
   noun

   a tuft or bunch of hair, feathers, or other fibrous material

   A dark tussock of hair stuck out beneath the child's cap.

The origin is uncertain. It may be related to tusk with the diminutive suffix -ock, perhaps from the pointed or projecting shape of a tuft. Comparisons have also been made with Middle High German zusach, "thicket," and Scottish Gaelic dosag, "little tuft."

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