Distaff

Distaff - (Easton's Bible Dictionary)

(Heb. pelek, a "circle"), the instrument used for twisting threads by a whirl (Prov. 31:19).

Distaff - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

DISTAFF, n.

1. The staff of a spinning-wheel, to which a bunch of flax or tow is tied, and from which the thread is drawn.

She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. Prov 31.

2. Figuratively, a woman, or the female sex.

His crown usurped, a distaff on the throne.

dis'-taf (pelekh): This word occurs once in Pr 31:19; "spindle" is found in the same passage. In the Revised Version (British and American) the meanings of the two words have been exchanged. See SPINNING.