Distaff: meaning, definitions and examples

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distaff

 

[ หˆdษชstรฆf ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น fuso

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคพเค 

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Spindel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ spindel

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะตั€ะตั‚ะตะฝะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wrzeciono

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‘ใ„ใจใจใ‚Š (keito tori)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท fuseau

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ husillo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท iplik

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์‹ค (sil)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุบุฒู„ (maghzil)

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vล™eteno

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vretano

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็บบ้”ค (fวŽngchuรญ)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ stroj za predenje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ spindill

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะพา›ั‹ะผะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฅแƒกแƒแƒ•แƒœแƒ (ksovna)

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ iplik

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ husillo

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,893 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.