tuft

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   A bunch of feathers, grass or hair, etc., held together at the base.
2. 2
   A cluster of threads drawn tightly through upholstery, a mattress or a quilt, etc., to secure and strengthen the padding.
3. 3
   A small clump of trees or bushes.
4. 4
   A gold tassel on the cap worn by titled undergraduates at English universities.
5. 5
   A person entitled to wear such a tassel.

Verb

1. 1
   To provide or decorate with a tuft or tufts.
2. 2
   To form into tufts.
3. 3
   To secure and strengthen (a mattress, quilt, etc.) with tufts. This hinders the stuffing from moving.
4. 4
   To be formed into tufts.

Proper noun

1. 1
   A surname.