flax comb

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.
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   2. The skin or fibrous part of the flax plant, when broken
      and cleaned by hatcheling or combing.
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   {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}.
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