A machine or hand tool used to open, disentangle, and mix raw fibers before carding and spinning. In industrial settings, a teaser uses rotating cylinders covered in spikes or teeth to pull apart clumps of raw wool or cotton, removing dirt and preparing the mass for the next stage of processing. Historically, it also referred to the worker performing this task.
Heard on the job
Run that raw fleece through the teaser one more time to break up the worst of those clumps before carding.