Also 7–9 teaze. [f. TEASE v.1]
1. The action of teasing. † Upon the tease, uneasy from trifling irritation (obs.). rare.
1693. C. Mather, Wond. Invis. World (1862), 162. After she had undergone a deal of Teaze from the Annoyance of the Spectre.
1706. Mrs. Centlivre, Basset-Table, III. 34. There’s One upon the Teaze already. Ibid. (1707), Platonick Lady, V. 61. I left her upon the Teaze.
1878–9. Lanier, Poems, Individuality, 10. No pitiless tease of risk or bottomry.
2. A person addicted to teasing; one who irritates another in a trifling or sportive way. colloq.
1852. Dickens, Bleak Ho., xxx. What a teaze you are.
1899. Miss Harraden, Fowler, II. v. 190. I am a tease by nature.
