Distaff

dis'taf, in hand spinning, a cleft stick about three feet long, on which was fastened a quantity of wool, cotton, or flax, as it came from the cards. The lower end of the distaff was held between the spinner's left arm and side, leaving the hands free to draw out some of the fibers, twist them into a thread, and wind the thread on the spindle. The spindle was suspended, or set in a whorl, so arranged as to revolve like a top, thus aiding in twisting and winding the thread. The seventh of January used to be called St. Distaff's day, because at that time women resumed their ordinary occupations of spinning, weaving, etc., after the interruption of the Christmas festival. See Carding; Spinning; Spindle