The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Flax \Flax\ (fl[a^]ks), 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.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. The skin or fibrous part of the flax plant, when broken
      and cleaned by hatcheling or combing.
      [1913 Webster]

   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
      bicarbonate 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.
      [1913 Webster]