Word info Synonyms Antonyms

distaff

Speech parts

1. distaff - Noun

2. distaff - Adjective

3. distaff - Adjective Satellite

Meaning

The staff for holding a bunch of flax, tow, or wool, from which the thread is drawn in spinning by hand.

Used as a symbol of the holder of a distaff; hence, a woman; women, collectively.

Source: Webster's dictionary

Synonyms

Show all synonyms

Antonyms

Show all antonyms

Hypernyms

Derivatives

Examples

female sensitiveness Source: Internet

female suffrage Source: Internet

The word “distaff” dates back to the 11th century, when it meant a staff, about a yard or so long, wound with unspun flax or wool fibers. Source: Internet

The term has been used since the late 15th century for female in general, as in “distaff side,” meaning the female line of descent or simply things female. Source: Internet

Close letter words and terms