spindle side

noun

the female side or line of descent of a family; distaff side (opposed to spear side).

Origin of spindle side

1850-1855

First recorded in 1850-55

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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2017.
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Examples from the Web for spindle side

Historical Examples

Stevenson came from the Balfours of Pilrig, and was of gentle blood, on the spindle side.

The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Robert Louis Stevenson
Of course Mr. Bancroft will take the male pupils, and Mrs. Bancroft will instruct "the spindle side."

Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 93, July 23, 1887. Various

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