Distaff (Noun)
Meaning 1
The staff on which wool or flax is wound before spinning.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Meaning 2
The sphere of work by women.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural processes.
Examples
- Historically, weaving was considered a traditional distaff occupation for women, as it was a skill that could be done at home.
- In the past, many women's contributions to society were limited to the distaff, and they were expected to prioritize domestic duties over personal ambitions.
- The phrase "distaff side" was used to refer to the feminine aspect of a family or society, highlighting the important roles women played in these areas.
- Throughout history, women's work has often been relegated to the distaff, and their contributions have been undervalued and overlooked.
- The distaff was also a common symbol of women's work in medieval and Renaissance art, often depicted alongside imagery of spinning, weaving, and other domestic activities.