distaff
Pronunciation
Adjective
C2 Mastery
Quick answer
Relating to women, or the female side of a family.
Usage notes
An old-fashioned term, from the tool once used by women for spinning thread; rarely used outside historical or literary contexts.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "The novel focuses on the _____ branch of the royal family."
Answer: distaff
In your own words, what does "distaff" mean?
Relating to women, or the female side of a family.
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