Distaff Meaning in English

word

US

UK

Definition

A distaff is a tool used in spinning to hold unspun fibers. Figuratively, it is also used to refer to the female side of a family or activities associated with women.

Usage & Nuances

'Distaff' in its literal sense is now very rare and mostly historical. The figurative sense ('distaff side') is formal, old-fashioned, and chiefly found in literature or genealogy. It contrasts with 'spear side' (the male side). Not common in everyday speech.

• Spanish: huso (antiguo) - lado femenino (figurado)
• Portuguese (BR): fuso (antigo) - lado feminino (figurado)
• Portuguese (PT): fuso (antigo) - lado feminino (figurado)
• Chinese (Simplified): 纺锤杆（古老工具）- 女性一方（喻意）
• Chinese (Traditional): 紡錘桿（古老工具）- 女性一方（喻意）
• Hindi: चर्खा (पुराना औज़ार) - स्त्री पक्ष (रूपक)
• Arabic: مغزل (أداة قديمة) - الجانب النسائي (مجازي)
• Bengali: সূতো কাটার চাক - নারী পক্ষ (পরিবারের)
• Russian: прялка - женская линия (рода)
• Japanese: 糸巻き棒 - 母系 (家系の女性側)
• Vietnamese: xa quay sợi - bên mẹ (dòng họ bên nữ)
• Korean: 물렛대 - 외가 (가계의 여성측)
• Turkish: kıdistaff - anne tarafı (ailenin kadın tarafı)
• Urdu: کتن کاتنا کا آلہ - زنانہ طرف (خاندان کی)
• Indonesian: tongkat pemintal - pihak ibu (garis keturunan perempuan)

Example Sentences

A distaff was used to help spin thread in the past.

basic

The family tree traced the distaff side back for generations.

basic

In many royal families, succession passes on the distaff side only if there are no male heirs.

natural

She inherited the necklace from the distaff side of her family.

basic

While cleaning out the attic, I found an old distaff among some antiques.

natural

Most people today wouldn’t recognize a distaff if they saw one.

natural