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

Kenyans have won the last four men’s races in Boston and three straight in the distaff division.

From Seattle Times

But this year, the attention is on the 50th anniversary of the first women’s race, a milestone that is complicated by the thorny history of the distaff division.

From Seattle Times

She has settled in as a dominant force in distaff sprint races and will be well supported by the bettors.

From Seattle Times

Then spinning as they ever did, twirling the distaff and twisting the thread of destiny, they sang,

From Literature

The 12 songs below — obscure singles, deep cuts and near misses — reveal a hidden history of distaff pop.

From New York Times