Definitions
1.nounA device to which a bundle of natural fibres (often wool, flax, or cotton) are attached for temporary storage, before being drawn off gradually to spin thread. A traditional distaff is a staff with flax fibres tied loosely to it (as indicated by the etymology of the word), but modern distaffs are often made of cords weighted with beads, and attached to the wrist.
2.nounThe part of a spinning wheel from which fibre is drawn to be spun.
3.nounAnything traditionally done by or considered of importance to women only.
4.nounA race for female horses only.
5.nounA woman, or women considered as a group.
6.adjectiveOf, relating to, or characteristic of women.
7.adjectiveOf the maternal side of a family.