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distaff Definition

dis·taff (dis′taf′)

noun

  1. a staff on which fibers, as flax or wool, are wound before being spun into thread
  2. woman's work or concerns
  3. Archaic woman, or women in general

Etymology: ME distaf < OE distæf < dis-, flax (see dizen) + stæf, staff

adjective

female; specif., designating the maternal side of a family

distaff Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • hold: The woman kneeling at Michael's feet holds a distaff and a white garment, which she holds out as an offering.

Modifies a noun

  • side: Kidney is a Van Vliet on the distaff side, or a less hung up David Byrne.