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Distaff vs. spear-side?

Posted by Bookworm on November 04, 2002

In Reply to: Distaff vs. spear-side? posted by ESC on November 04, 2002

: : : : What is the term for the male side of the family? Thanks in advance.

: : : Datstaff?
: : Testosteronians?

: Remote control?

: It says here:
: www.sfquiz.org.uk/ Quizzes/01nov12.html
: In heraldry, what is the opposite of distaff, spindle, or female side?
: SPEAR-SIDE

Distaff can be an adjective as well, so you have distaff side and spear side. What strikes me odd is that distaff is also a noun, but spear is not (at least not one that means "male branch of the family). I just assumed that there would an equivalent noun for the male side of the family....my mistake?

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