Distaff

As a noun, a distaff is a tool used in spinning. It is designed to keep fibers untangled and ease the spinning process. If most commonly is used to hold flax, and sometimes wool, but more recently spindle hand-spinners have begun using wrist-distaffs to hold any type of fiber. The most common type of distaff is a staff, upon which the flax is wrapped, and secured with a piece of ribbon wrapped around it. (A picture of a distaff with flax.)

Related Topics:
Noun - Tool - Spinning - Fiber - Flax - Wool - Spindle

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Many spinning wheels come with an option of a distaff attachment. It is placed right next to the bobbin so as to be in easy reach of the spinner

Related Topics:
Spinning wheel - Bobbin

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The term distaff is also used as an adjective and is used as a descriptor for a female grouping (e.g., the "distaff side" of a person's family refer's to the person's mother and her blood relatives). This term developed in the English speaking communities where a distaff spinning tool was used often to symbolize domestic life. The term distaff has fallen largely into disuse in recent times, although its antonyms of sword and spear to describe a male grouping is even more obscure. One still-recognized use of the term is in horse racing, where the American Breeders Cup run by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association where fillies compete in a separate race referred to as "The Distaff"

Related Topics:
Adjective - Female - Domestic life - Antonym - Sword - Spear - Horse racing - Breeders Cup - National Thoroughbred Racing Association - Fillies - "The Distaff"

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