Main Entry: ¹dis·taff

Pronunciation: \ˈdis-ˌtaf\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): 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 illustration]