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Distaff
01
a tool used in spinning to hold unspun fibers, such as wool or flax, keeping them untangled and ready for drawing into yarn
What is a "distaff"?
A distaff is a tool used in spinning to hold and feed fibers into the spinning wheel or spindle. It is a rod that keeps the fibers organized and untangled while they are being spun into yarn. The distaff helps to maintain a steady flow of fiber, making the spinning process more efficient and manageable. It is commonly used in traditional spinning and is an important accessory for creating yarn.
Examples
She tucked the flax into her distaff before beginning to spin.
The distaff was carved from ash wood and passed down through generations.
02
the domain of women's roles, labor, or lineage, especially domestic or familial responsibilities
Examples
The distaff was long confined to domestic labor and caregiving.
Literature often ignored the distaff, focusing instead on male heroism.
distaff
01
relating to women in general
Examples
The distaff relatives gathered for the annual reunion.
Distaff roles in the company have expanded recently.
