n.
Pronunciation: ' dis- ˌ taf
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural distaffs \ - ˌ tafs, - ˌ tavz \
Etymology: Middle English distaf, from Old English distæf, from dis- (akin to Middle Low German dise bunch of flax) + stæf staff
Date: before 12th century
1 a : a staff for holding the flax, tow, or wool in spinning b : woman's work or domain
2 : the female branch or side of a family
distaff 1a D, and spindle S