King James Bible Dictionary

(Heb. pishtah, i.e., "peeled", in allusion to the fact that the stalks of flax when dried were first split or peeled before being steeped in water for the purpose of destroying the pulp). This plant was cultivated from earliest times. The flax of Egypt was destroyed by the plague of hail when it "was bolled", i.e., was forming pods for seed (Exodus 9:31). It was extensively cultivated both in Egypt and Palestine. Reference is made in Joshua 2:6 to the custom of drying flax-stalks by exposing them to the sun on the flat roofs of houses. It was much used in forming articles of clothing such as girdles, also cords and bands (Leviticus 13:48, 52, 59; Deuteronomy 22:11). (See LINEN.)

In Egypt
Exodus 9:31

In Palestine
Joshua 2:6

Linen made from
Proverbs 31:13; Isaiah 19:6; Hosea 2:5; Hosea 2:9

Robes made of
Esther 1:16; Ezekiel 40:3
Linen

Figurative, smoking flax not quenched
Isaiah 42:3; Matthew 12:20

a well-known plant with yellowish stem and bright-blue flowers. Its fibres are employed in the manufacture of linen. The root contains an oil, and after the oil is expressed is sued as a food for cattle. Egypt was celebrated for the culture of flax and the manufacture of linen. The spinning was anciently done by women of noble birth. It seems probable that the cultivation of flax for the purpose of the manufacture of linen was by no means confined to Egypt, but that, originating in India, it spread over Asia at a very early period of antiquity. That it was grown in Palestine even before the conquest of that country by the Isr'lites appears from (Joshua 2:6) The various processes employed in preparing the flax for manufacture into cloth are indicated:

1. The drying process.
2. The peeling of the stalks and separation of the fibres.
3. The hackling. (Isaiah 19:9) That flax was one of the most important crops in Palestine appears from (Hosea 2:5,9)

FLAX, noun

1. A plant of the genus Linum, consisting of a single slender stalk, the skin or herl of which is used for making thread and cloth, called linen, cambric, lawn, lace, etc. The skin consists of fine fibers, which may be so separated as to be spun into threads as fine as silk.

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

FLAX'COMB, noun An instrument with teeth through which flax is drawn for separating from it the tow or coarser part and the shives. In America, we call it a hatchel.

FLAX'DRESSER, noun One who breaks and swingles flax.

FLAX'EN, adjective

1. Made of flax; as flaxen thread.

2. Resembling flax; of the color of flax; fair, long, and flowing; as flaxen hair.

FLAX'PLANT, noun The Phormium, a plant in New Zealand that serves the inhabitants for flax.

FLAX'RAISER, noun One who raises flax.

FLAX'SEED, noun The seed of flax.

FLAX'Y, adjective Like flax; being of a light color; fair.