distaff
[ dis-taf, -tahf ]
/ ˈdɪs tæf, -tɑf /
noun
a staff with a cleft end for holding wool, flax, etc., from which the thread is drawn in spinning by hand.
a similar attachment on a spinning wheel.
Archaic.
- a woman or women collectively.
- women's work.
adjective
Sometimes Offensive.
noting, pertaining to, characteristic of, or suitable for a female.
See also distaff side.
Origin of distaff
usage note for distaff
A
distaff is the stick onto which wool or flax is wound in spinning. Since spinning was traditionally done by females,
distaff took on figurative meanings relating to women or women’s work. In the sense of “female,” the noun
distaff is archaic, but the adjective is in current use:
distaff chores, a distaff point of view; the distaff side of the family. Women who find the term offensive are probably aware of its origin in female stereotypes. Another current use of the adjective is in reference to horses: a
distaff race is for fillies or mares.
Words nearby distaff
dissymmetry,
dist.,
dist. atty.,
dist. ct.,
distad,
distaff,
distaff side,
distaffer,
distain,
distal,
distal myopathy
Example sentences from the Web for distaff
British Dictionary definitions for distaff
distaff
/ (ˈdɪstɑːf) /
noun
the rod on which flax is wound preparatory to spinning
(modifier)
of or concerning women
offensive to distaff members of the audience
Word Origin for distaff
Old English
distæf, from
dis- bunch of flax +
stæf
staff
1; see
dizen