csörl

Csörl is a Hungarian term that can refer to a type of spindle used in textile spinning. Historically, the csörl was a simple tool made of wood, often a straight stick with a whorl attached near one end to provide momentum. The spindle would be held in one hand, while the other hand would draw out and twist the fibers (such as wool or flax) from a bundle held separately or attached to the spindle itself. The spun yarn would then be wound around the spindle. This method of spinning was common in many cultures before the widespread adoption of spinning wheels and industrial machinery.

The term "csörl" can also sometimes be used colloquially in Hungarian to refer to something that is crooked, bent, or twisted, though this usage is less common and more informal. The primary and more technical meaning relates to the spinning tool. The design and materials of csörl varied depending on the region and the available resources. The whorl, in particular, could be made from clay, stone, or wood, and its weight and shape influenced the spinning process and the resulting yarn thickness.