tussie-mussie

[ tuhs-ee-muhs-ee ]

noun

1. a small bunch of flowers or herbs.
2. a cone-shaped holder for a bouquet.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tussie-mussie¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English tusmose, tussemose; further origin uncertain; perhaps created through rhyming ( razzle-dazzle ( def ), rhyming compound based on dazzle ( def ) )

Example Sentences

In order to avoid gazing on your beloved’s former make-out partners, you could stay home clutching a tussie-mussie.

From Slate

Victorian “Tussie-Mussie” buttons pictured tiny bouquets whose flowers held symbolic messages.

From Slate

TUSSY-MUSSIES "There be some flowers make a delicious Tussie-Mussie or Nosegay both for Sight and Smell."

From Project Gutenberg

In order to avoid gazing on your beloved’s former make-out partners, you could stay home clutching a tussie-mussie.

From Slate