Obs. [Known from late 15th c.; f. TINE v.1, OE. týn-an to enclose, fence, hedge, with Norse suffix -sl, prob. taken over from north. dial. gar-sell, GARSIL (= ON. *gerðsl), meaning the same thing.] Brushwood for hedging or fencing.
1486. Nottingham Rec., III. 254. ij. lodes of tynsell’ from þe Copy.
1610. W. Folkingham, Art of Survey, I. vi. 13. For woods … how enterlaced, as Timber with Tinsell, Coppice, or vnderwood.
1620. in N. & Q., 1st Ser. (1851), III. 478. A few underwoods … of hasell, alders, withie and thornes … which the tenants doe take and use for Tinsel as need requires.
1637. in Chesh. Gloss. (1885), s.v., To take sufficient trouse and tynsel … for the fencing in and repairing of the hedges.
1793–1813. Rep. Agric., Derby, 45 (E.D.S.). Having stone provided in the quay, and tinsel crop for fencing.
