dictionary.pt

dictionary.pt

distaff

nounfemininegeneral useuncommon/'ʁɔ.kɐ/ro·ca

Definition

1

An ancient tool, usually made of wood, used for hand-spinning textile fibers (flax, wool) by twisting them into thread.

Usage examples

She held the flax on the distaff while spinning.
The distaff and spindle were essential tools for making yarn.

Synonyms

Common combinations

spinning with a distaffflax on the distaff