distaff, the stalk, the fate
distaff, Od. 4.135, 1.357, Il. 6.491, E. l.c., etc.; ἡ ἠ. [τοῦ ἀτράκτου] the stalk of the spindle, Pl. R. 616c: metaph., γηραιῇσι . . ἠλακάτῃσι with the fate of old age, IG 14.1389i18.
II distaff-shaped
of distaff-shaped objects:
1 one joint of a reed, cane, a reed
one joint of a reed or cane, Thphr. HP 2.2.1; a reed, = δόναξ, Hsch.; ὥσπερ ἠ., of the pistil of the citron-flower, Thphr. HP 1.13.4, cf. 4.4.3.
2 arrow
in Compds. (e.g. χρυσηλάκατος), arrow, Hsch.
3 the upper part of the mast
the upper part of the mast, which was made to turn round, A.R. 1.565 (v. Sch.), Ath. 11.475a.
4 windlass
windlass, Sch. Th. 7.25 (v.l. ἠλεκ-).
5 Coma Berenices
the constellation Coma Berenices, Sch. Arat. 146.