<p><strong>Noun:</strong></p><ul><li>A staff with a cleft end for holding wool, flax, etc., from which the thread is drawn in spinning by hand.</li><li>A similar attachment on a spinning wheel.</li><li>Archaic: a woman or women collectively; women's work.</li></ul><p><strong>Adjective:</strong></p><ul><li>Sometimes Offensive: noting, pertaining to, characteristic of, or suitable for a female; distaff side.</li></ul>