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 domain2: the female branch or side of a family

[distaff illustration]