Distaff vs. ?

Posted by Dan McGuirk on November 08, 2002

In Reply to: Distaff vs. ? posted by Bookworm on November 04, 2002

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

I always (well, since I read _Infinite Jest_) thought it was 'agnate'.

From www.m-w.com:

Main Entry: 1ag·nate
Pronunciation: 'ag-"nAt
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin agnatus, from past participle of agnasci to be born in addition to, from ad- + nasci to be born -- more at NATION
Date: 1534
1 : a relative whose kinship is traceable exclusively through males
2 : a paternal kinsman