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distaffs

/ˈdɪstæfs/ /ˈdɪstɑːfs/

Meanings
noun
A device to which a bundle of natural fibres (often wool, flax, or cotton) are attached for temporary storage, before being drawn off gradually to spin thread. A traditional distaff is a staff with flax fibres tied loosely to it (as indicated by the etymology of the word), but modern distaffs are often made of cords weighted with beads, and attached to the wrist.

Examples :

"The museum displayed antique spinning wheels, each with its collection of intricately carved distaffs still holding tufts of wool ready to be spun. "
utensil device material tradition work agriculture

Related Words

Illustration traditionally

traditionally adverb

/tɹəˈdɪʃənli/

In a traditional manner.

"My family traditionally celebrates birthdays with a big meal. "

Illustration guaranteeing

guaranteeing verb

/ˌɡærənˈtiːɪŋ/ /ˌɡærənˈtiːɪn/

To give an assurance that something will be done right.

"The mechanic is guaranteeing the car repairs for one year. "

Illustration competition

competition noun

/ˌkɒmpəˈtɪʃən/ /ˌkɑːmpəˈtɪʃən/

The action of competing.

"The competition for this job is strong."

Illustration collection

collection noun

/kəˈlɛkʃən/

A set of items or amount of material procured or gathered together.

"The asteroid belt consists of a collection of dust, rubble, and minor planets."

Illustration temporary

temporary noun

/ˈtɛmpəɹi/ /ˈtɛmpəˌɹɛɹi/

One serving for a limited time; short-term employee.

"The temporary at the bakery was only there for the summer. "

Illustration considered

considered verb

/kənˈsɪdəd/ /kənˈsɪdɚd/

To think about seriously.

"Consider that we’ve had three major events and the year has hardly begun."

Illustration importance

importance noun

/ɪmˈpɔːtəns/ /ɪmˈpɔɹtəns/

The quality or condition of being important or worthy of note.

"Attending all your classes is of great importance to your success in school. "

Illustration gradually

gradually adverb

/ˈɡɹædʒuəli/

In a gradual manner; making slow progress; slowly.

"The plants gradually grew taller over the summer. "

Illustration intricately

intricately adverb

/ˈɪntrɪkətli/ /ˈɪntrəkətli/

In an intricate manner; with involution or infoldings; with perplexity or intricacy.

"The puzzle box was intricately designed, with hidden compartments and secret passages. "

Illustration etymology

etymology noun

/ˌɛt.ɪˈmɒl.ə.dʒi/ /ˌɛt.ɪˈmɑl.ə.dʒi/

The study of the historical development of languages, particularly as manifested in individual words.

"Understanding the etymology of the word "sandwich"—tracing its origin back to the Earl of Sandwich—helps us understand why we use that name for a bread-filled meal. "

Illustration traditional

traditional noun

/tɹəˈdɪʃnəl/

A person with traditional beliefs.

"My grandmother is a traditional, believing strongly in family values. "

Illustration indicated

indicated verb

/ˈɪndɪkeɪtɪd/

To point out; to discover; to direct to a knowledge of; to show; to make known.

"The guard blew his whistle to indicate imminent departure."