Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Earth flax \Earth" flax`\ (Min.)
   A variety of asbestus. See {Amianthus}.

Flax \Flax\, 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.

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

   {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
      bicarbinate 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}.