flax cotton

1 definition found

flax cotton - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Flax \Flax\ (fl[a^]ks), n. [AS. fleax; akin to D. vlas, OHG.
     flahs, G. flachs, and prob. to flechten to braid, plait,m
     twist, L. plectere to weave, plicare to fold, Gr. ? to weave,
     plait. See Ply.]
     1. (Bot.) A plant of the genus Linum, esp. the L.  usitatissimum
        , which has a single, slender stalk, about a
        foot and a half high, with blue flowers. The fiber of the
        bark is used for making thread and cloth, called linen,
        cambric, lawn, lace, etc. Linseed oil is expressed from
        the seed.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. The skin or fibrous part of the flax plant, when broken
        and cleaned by hatcheling or combing.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Earth flax (Min.), amianthus.
  
     Flax brake, a machine for removing the woody portion of
        flax from the fibrous.
  
     Flax comb, a hatchel, hackle, or heckle.
  
     Flax cotton, the fiber of flax, reduced by steeping in
        bicarbonate of soda and acidulated liquids, and prepared
        for bleaching and spinning like cotton. --Knight.
  
     Flax dresser, one who breaks and swingles flax, or prepares
        it for the spinner.
  
     Flax mill, a mill or factory where flax is spun or linen
        manufactured.
  
     Flax puller, a machine for pulling flax plants in the
        field.
  
     Flax wench.
        (a) A woman who spins flax. [Obs.]
        (b) A prostitute. [Obs.] --Shak.
  
     Mountain flax (Min.), amianthus.
  
     New Zealand flax (Bot.) See Flax-plant.
        [1913 Webster]