Fusus
（
ἄτρακτος). A spindle; usually made of a stick about
twelve inches in length, and used with the distaff (
colus), for twisting
or spinning
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Woman with Distaff and Spindle. (Frieze of the Forum Palladium, Rome.)
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the fibres of wool or flax into thread (Pliny ,
Pliny
H. N. xi. 27; Ovid,
Met. vi. 22). Golden spindles were sent to ladies of rank (
Herod.iv. 162). In the rural districts of Italy, women were forbidden
to spin when they were travelling on foot, the act being considered of evil omen (Pliny ,
Pliny H. N. xxviii. 5). The distaff and
spindle, with the wool and thread upon them, were carried in bridal processions; and without
the wool and thread, they were often suspended by women as offerings of religious gratitude,
especially in old age, or on relinquishing the constant use of them. They were most frequently
dedicated to Minerva, the patroness of spinning, and of the arts connected with it. The
spindle was kept in the
calathus (q. v.).
