tease

I. transitive verb (teased; teasing) Etymology: Middle English tesen, from Old English tǣsan; akin to Old High German zeisan to tease Date: before 12th century 1. a. to disentangle and lay parallel by combing or carding <

tease wool

> b. teasel 2. to tear in pieces; especially to shred (a tissue or specimen) for microscopic examination 3. a. to disturb or annoy by persistent irritating or provoking especially in a petty or mischievous way b. to annoy with petty persistent requests ; pester; also to obtain by repeated coaxing c. to persuade to acquiesce especially by persistent small efforts ; coax d. to manipulate or influence as if by teasing e. to make fun of ; kid 4. to comb (hair) by taking hold of a strand and pushing the short hairs toward the scalp with the comb 5. to tantalize especially by arousing desire or curiosity often without intending to satisfy it Synonyms: see worry • teasingly adverb II. noun Date: 1680 1. the act of teasing ; the state of being teased 2. one that teases