hassock
/'hæsək/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A cushion for kneeling on: A firm, often padded cushion used to support the knees while kneeling, especially during prayer in a church or chapel.
- A thick cushion used as a seat: A large, firm cushion that can serve as a low stool or ottoman.
- A tuft of grass: (Chiefly British) A thick clump or tussock of grass or other vegetation.
Examples of Usage
- As a kneeling cushion:
- She placed the hassock in front of the pew before kneeling to pray.
- The church provided velvet hassocks for the congregation.
- As a seat cushion:
- He pulled a leather hassock closer to the fireplace to sit on.
- The children used the large hassock as a makeshift seat while playing.
- As a tuft of grass:
- The field was dotted with hassocks of coarse grass.
Advanced Usage
- Ecclesiastical context: In formal religious settings, a hassock is specifically a kneeler, often matching the church's furnishings.
- The altar server straightened the embroidered hassocks after the service.
- Interior design: In home decor, a hassock functions as a versatile piece of furniture, serving as a footrest, extra seating, or even a small table.
- The decorative hassock doubled as a coffee table.
Variants and Related Words
- Kneeler: A piece of furniture or cushion specifically designed for kneeling, often synonymous with a hassock in a church context.
- Ottoman: A padded, upholstered seat or footstool without a back or arms, similar to the "seat" meaning of a hassock.
- Pouf: A large, firm cushion used as a seat or footstool.
- Tussock: A synonym for the "tuft of grass" meaning, especially in botanical or ecological contexts.
Synonyms
- Kneeling cushion: For the primary religious use.
- Footstool: For the low seating/footrest use.
- Pillow: A general term for a soft cushion, though less specific.
- Clump or tuffet: For the botanical meaning.
Related Phrases
- To be on one's hassock: An idiomatic way to refer to being in a kneeling position for prayer.
- The devout parishioners were on their hassocks throughout the meditation.
Noun
- a cushion for kneeling on (as when praying in church)
- thick cushion used as a seat