'tassel' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'tasel' (or 'tassel'), where it meant 'tuft' or small hanging ornament.

'tassel' changed from the Old French word 'tasel' and entered Middle English as 'tasel' (or variants like 'tassel'), eventually becoming the modern English word 'tassel'.

Initially, it meant 'a tuft or small hanging ornament', and over time it has retained that basic sense as 'an ornamental cluster of threads or cords (a tassel)', which is the basis for 'tasseled' meaning 'having tassels'.