distaff Definition
- 1a stick or spindle onto which wool or flax is wound for spinning, typically used by women
- 2relating to or characteristic of women
Using distaff: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "distaff" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She sat at the spinning wheel with a distaff in her hand.
Example
The distaff side of the family is known for their artistic talents.
Example
The distaff competitors will be racing tomorrow.
distaff Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with distaff
Example
Her talent for music comes from her grandmother on the distaff side.
the day after Epiphany (January 6th), traditionally the day when women resumed their work after the Christmas holidays
Example
In some parts of England, it was customary for women to celebrate Distaff Day by spinning and sewing together.
Example
The distaff side of politics has been gaining more representation in recent years.
Origins of distaff
from Old English 'distæf', where 'dis-' means 'bunch of flax' and 'stæf' means 'stick'
Summary: distaff in Brief
'Distaff' [ˈdɪstæf] refers to a stick or spindle used for spinning wool or flax, typically by women. It can also describe something relating to or characteristic of women. Examples include 'She sat at the spinning wheel with a distaff in her hand,' and 'The distaff side of the family is known for their artistic talents.' Phrases like 'on the distaff side' refer to the maternal side of a family, while 'distaff day' is the day when women resumed their work after the Christmas holidays.
