I. ˈdis-ˌtaf noun
( plural distaffs -ˌtafs, -ˌtavz)
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
]
II. adjective
Date: circa 1633
1. : maternal 2
the distaff side of the family
— compare spear
2. : female 1
distaff executives