adjective / noun
distaff
DIS-taff/ˈdɪˌstæf/
The female side of family life or activity.
She traces her artistic talent to the distaff side of her family.
Etymology
The flax-holding stick became a symbol of women, presumably because spinning was typically done by women of all ranks. This association underlies “distaff side” for the female side of a family.
In context
sib to him on the distaff side.
More examples
- Most relatives on his distaff side live nearby.
- The exhibit explores the distaff side of life on the farm.
- Her research follows the distaff line through three generations.
Forms
distaff