Distaff: meaning, definitions and examples
๐งถ
distaff
[ หdษชstรฆf ]
textile production
A distaff is a tool used in spinning to hold a supply of fiber, such as wool or flax, that is drawn out and spun into yarn. It is traditionally used by hand spinners to prevent tangling and to facilitate the spinning process. The distaff is held in one hand while the spindle or wheel is operated with the other. The use of the distaff dates back thousands of years and is an important part of many cultures' textile traditions.
Synonyms
fiber holder, spindle holder
Examples of usage
- She expertly held the distaff while spinning the wool.
- The craftsperson demonstrated how to use a distaff in traditional weaving.
- He inherited his grandmother's distaff, a prized family heirloom.
Translations
Translations of the word "distaff" in other languages:
๐ต๐น fuso
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเคพเค
๐ฉ๐ช Spindel
๐ฎ๐ฉ spindel
๐บ๐ฆ ะฒะตัะตัะตะฝะพ
๐ต๐ฑ wrzeciono
๐ฏ๐ต ใใใจใจใ (keito tori)
๐ซ๐ท fuseau
๐ช๐ธ husillo
๐น๐ท iplik
๐ฐ๐ท ์ค (sil)
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุบุฒู (maghzil)
๐จ๐ฟ vลeteno
๐ธ๐ฐ vretano
๐จ๐ณ ็บบ้ค (fวngchuรญ)
๐ธ๐ฎ stroj za predenje
๐ฎ๐ธ spindill
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะพาัะผะฐ
๐ฌ๐ช แฅแกแแแแ (ksovna)
๐ฆ๐ฟ iplik
๐ฒ๐ฝ husillo
Word origin
The word 'distaff' comes from the Middle English 'distaf,' which is derived from Old English 'distรฆf.' This term combines 'dis,' meaning 'to spin,' and 'staf,' meaning 'staff' or 'stick.' The distaff has been an essential tool in textile production since ancient times. Historical evidence shows that it has been used in various cultures around the world, reflecting the fundamental role of spinning in creating clothing and textiles. In medieval Europe, the distaff was often used to signify women's work, and it became a symbol of domestic life. Its design has remained relatively unchanged, showcasing its functional importance in the craft of spinning.