Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
TEASE
I. transitive verb (teased; teasing)
Etymology: Middle English tesen, from Old English tǣsan; akin to Old High German zeisan to tease Date: before 12th century
1. to disentangle and lay parallel by combing or carding , teasel , to tear in pieces,
3. to disturb or annoy by persistent irritating or provoking especially in a petty or mischievous way, to annoy with petty persistent requests ; pester , to persuade to acquiesce especially by persistent small efforts ; coax , to manipulate or influence as if by teasing, to make fun of ; kid , to comb (hair) by taking hold of a strand and pushing the short hairs toward the scalp with the comb, to tantalize especially by arousing desire or curiosity often without intending to satisfy it, see: worry teasingly adverb
II. noun
Date: 1680
the act of teasing ; the state of being teased, one that teases