(1):

(n.) A collection of small, flexible, or soft things in a knot or bunch; a waving or bending and spreading cluster; as, a tuft of flowers or feathers.

(2):

(n.) A nobleman, or person of quality, especially in the English universities; - so called from the tuft, or gold tassel, on the cap worn by them.

(3):

(n.) A cluster; a clump; as, a tuft of plants.

(4):

(v. i.) To grow in, or form, a tuft or tufts.

(5):

(v. t.) To adorn with tufts or with a tuft.

(6):

(v. t.) To separate into tufts.