distaff
1dis·taff
noun \ˈdis-ˌtaf\ plural distaffs\-ˌtafs, -ˌtavz\
Definition of DISTAFF
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
Origin of DISTAFF
Middle English distaf, from Old English distæf, from dis- (akin to Middle Low German dise bunch of flax) + stæf staff
First Known Use: before 12th century
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Rhymes with DISTAFF
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