a staff with a notch at one end through which wool is drawn by hand; for an example, see Harvard 1920.44.54 ( images).
the staff on which wool or flax is wound before spinning
a cylindrical object around which flax is wound as part of the process for spinning it into linen
a rod with a base that holds the long fibers that are to be spun and twisted by hand and gathered on the spindle
a staff to which flax or any substance to be spun, is fastened
a staff with a cleft for holding wool, flax, etc
a tool which keeps the fibers separated and properly aligned during spinning
part of a spinning wheel used for twisting threads.
a staff that holds on its cleft end the unspun flax or wool from which thread is drawn, in spinning by hand
As a noun, a distaff is a tool used in spinning. It is designed to hold the unspun fibers, keeping them untangled and thus easing the spinning process. It is most commonly used to hold flax, and sometimes wool, but can be used for any type of fiber.