Distaff
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈdɪstæf/
Origin
From Middle English distaf, from Old English distæf ("distaff"), from Old English *dis (cognate with Middle Low German dise ("bunch of flax")) + Old English stæf ("staff").
Full definition of distaff
Noun
distaff
(plural distaffs)- a device to which a bundle of natural fibres (often wool, flax, or cotton) are attached for temporary storage, before being drawn off gradually to spin thread. A traditional distaff is a staff with flax fibres tied loosely to it (see Etymology), but modern distaffs are often made of cords weighted with beads, and attached to the wrist.
- the part of a spinning wheel from which fibre is drawn to be spun
- anything traditionally done by or considered of importance to women only
- a woman, or women considered as a group
- DrydenHis crown usurped, a distaff on the throne.
- HowellSome say the crozier, some say the distaff was too busy.
Adjective
distaff
- of, relating to, or characteristic of women
- referring to the maternal side of a family
- 1892 , Sir Arthur Conan Doyle , The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes Chapter The Noble Bachelor , They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on the distaff side.