Distaff (Period)

A distaff is a long staff that holds the fiber ready for spinning.  It is a period charge:  the illustration is taken from the civic arms of Lüdger, 1413 [Conz.Const. ccv].  The distaff is normally shown “dressed”, or with the fiber loaded in chief; it is palewise by default.  See also drop-spindle, quill of yarn.

The Costumer’s Guild of An Tir bears:  A distaff Or.

Gwennan nic Ailpein an Locha Seile bears:  Vert, a distaff between two flaunches Or.

Þóra Grímudóttir bears as a badge:  A distaff azure.