distaff

[ dis-taf, -tahf ]

noun

1. a staff with a cleft end for holding wool, flax, etc., from which the thread is drawn in spinning by hand.
2. a similar attachment on a spinning wheel.
3. Archaic.
   1. a woman or women collectively.
   2. women's work.

adjective

1. Sometimes Offensive. noting, pertaining to, characteristic of, or suitable for a female. distaff side.

distaff

/ ˈdɪstɑːf /

noun

1. the rod on which flax is wound preparatory to spinning
2. modifier of or concerning women

   offensive to distaff members of the audience

Sensitive Note

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of distaff¹

before 1000; Middle English distaf, Old English distæf, equivalent to dis- (cognate with Low German diesse bunch of flax on a distaff; dizen ) + stæf staff ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of distaff¹

Old English distæf, from dis- bunch of flax + stæf staff ¹; see dizen

Example Sentences

Indeed, the distaff vote may yet again break Republican this cycle—as it did in 2010—if the polls are to be believed.

From The Daily Beast

As Maggie in a 1990 production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof she was more than just a slip of distaff Mississippi flesh.

From The Daily Beast

Behind the bride were carried the distaff and spindle, emblems of domestic life.

From Project Gutenberg

A beautiful young girl was seated near them, with her distaff, spinning gold thread.

From Project Gutenberg

In the morning she took her wheel and spun a whole distaff full; there was still no news.

From Project Gutenberg

The invention of the loom and distaff has been piously ascribed to the gods.

From Project Gutenberg

The ancients were all familiar with the idea of women sometimes exchanging the spindle and distaff for the spear and shield.

From Project Gutenberg