DISTAFF, in the early forms of spinning, the "rock" or short stick round one end of which the flax, cotton, or wool is loosely wound, and from which it is spun off by the spindle. The "distaff" or "spindle" side of a family refers to the female branch, as opposed to the "spear" or male branch. Jan. 7, the day after Epiphany, was formerly known as St. Distaff's day, as women then began work again after the Christmas holiday.