GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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1.       
   Distaff , n.; pl. Distaffs , rarely Distaves . [OE. distaf, dysestafe, AS. distaef; cf. LG. diesse the bunch of flax on a distaff, and E. dizen. See Staff.]
   The staff for holding a bunch of flax, tow, or wool, from which the thread is drawn in spinning by hand.
   1913 Webster
   I will the distaff hold; come thou and spin.
   Fairfax.
   
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   Used as a symbol of the holder of a distaff; hence, a woman; women, collectively.
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   His crown usurped, a distaff on the throne.
   Dryden.
   
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   Some say the crozier, some say the distaff was too busy.
   Howell.
   
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   ☞ The plural is regular, but Distaves occurs in Beaumont & Fletcher.
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   Descent by distaff, descent on the mother's side. -- Distaff Day, or  Distaff's Day, the morrow of the Epiphany, that is, January 7, because working at the distaff was then resumed, after the Christmas festival; -- called also Rock Day, a distaff being called a rock.
   Shipley.
   
   1913 Webster