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DictionaryhassockLow cushion
noun

hassock

HAS-uk/ˈhæsək/

A thick cushion used as a seat, footrest, or kneeling pad.

The hassock has a thick cushioned top supported by short wooden feet.

A single low, generously padded upholstered footstool, shown in three-quarter view with a thick cushioned top and short wooden feet.
Etymology
hassockOld Englishclump of grass

Old English hassuc meant a clump of grass. The cushion sense likely arose from the perceived resemblance between a tuft of grass and a thick cushion used for kneeling.

More examples

  • The child sits on a hassock to hear the story.
  • We kneel on hassocks during prayer.
  • He slides the hassock under the table when guests arrive.

Forms

hassock · hassocks

Similar words

ottoman
An upholstered seat or footrest, often with a supporting frame.
footstool
Specifically supports the feet and need not be padded.
cushion
A broader term for padding, including backrests and decorative pillows.