distaff Synonyms

distaff Meaning

Wordnet

distaff (n)

the sphere of work by women

the staff on which wool or flax is wound before spinning

Wordnet

distaff (s)

characteristic of or peculiar to a woman

Webster

distaff (n.)

The staff for holding a bunch of flax, tow, or wool, from which the thread is drawn in spinning by hand.

Used as a symbol of the holder of a distaff; hence, a woman; women, collectively.

distaff Sentence Examples

  1. The distaff, a tool used in spinning thread, was a symbol of domesticity and feminine labor in ancient times.
  2. The distaff, often depicted in art and literature, represents the mythological figure Clotho, one of the three Fates who spun the threads of life.
  3. The distaff's significance extends beyond practical use, serving as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of life and fate.
  4. In Greek mythology, the three Fates, Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, used the distaff and spindle to determine the length and trajectory of a person's life.
  5. The distaff's association with spinning and weaving has led to its metaphorical use in describing intricate narratives or complex situations.
  6. The distaff, with its spindle, creates a continuous thread, symbolizing the unrelenting nature of time and the cyclical patterns of life and death.
  7. The distaff's history is entwined with the development of textiles and clothing, showcasing the vital role women have played in these industries.
  8. The distaff, once a ubiquitous tool in households, has gradually faded into obscurity with the advent of modern textile production methods.
  9. The distaff's enduring presence in art, mythology, and literature speaks to its timeless significance as a symbol of creativity, industry, and the interconnectedness of life's threads.
  10. The distaff, though no longer widely used in its original context, remains a reminder of the rich cultural and historical heritage associated with spinning and weaving.

FAQs About the word distaff

the sphere of work by women, the staff on which wool or flax is wound before spinning, characteristic of or peculiar to a womanThe staff for holding a bunch of

petticoat, ladylike, female, ultrafeminine, sissy, girly, girlish, epicene,effeminate, unmanly

unfeminine, hoydenish, manly, masculine,male, virile, hoydenish, male, unwomanly, unfeminine

The distaff, a tool used in spinning thread, was a symbol of domesticity and feminine labor in ancient times.

The distaff, often depicted in art and literature, represents the mythological figure Clotho, one of the three Fates who spun the threads of life.

The distaff's significance extends beyond practical use, serving as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of life and fate.

In Greek mythology, the three Fates, Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, used the distaff and spindle to determine the length and trajectory of a person's life.