spear side

American  

noun

1. the male side, or line of descent, of a family (opposed to distaff side orspindle side ).

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spear side British  

noun

1. the male side or branch of a family Compare distaff side

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Etymology

Origin of spear side

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Naught of gentle blood have I either on the spear side or the spindle side.

From A Maid at King Alfred?s Court by Madison, Lucy Foster

Formerly relationship through the mother was called 'on the spindle side,' while, long after the men had to fight every day against marauding tribes, relationship through the father was called 'on the spear side.'

From The History of London by Besant, Walter, Sir

His speech about Dover Cliff, generally supposed to convey some allusion to the Channel Tunnel, was excellently delivered, and certainly after Lear, "on the spear side," Mr. Terriss must take the Goodeley Cake.

From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 103, November 19, 1892 by Burnand, F. C. (Francis Cowley), Sir

He adds, "My grandfather bequeathed his land on the spear side, not on the spindle side; therefore if I have given what he acquired to any on the female side, let my kinsman make compensation."

From Landholding in England by Fisher, Joseph, the younger, of Youghal