Off list someone suggested this may be mohair (as in Angora goat). The
washed staple is incredibly soft and it certainly is fine. The woman i
bought it off got it to make doll wigs which leads me to believe she
may have misherd mohair as merino.

I've never seen an angora goat let alone felt it's fleece. Can anyone
give me an idea of how I might tell if this is mohair?

VP