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

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2017.
Cite This Source

Examples from the Web for spindle side

Historical Examples

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
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

What Is the Difference Between Discreet and Discrete?
Learn the correct uses of these two commonly confused homophones.
What Character Was Removed from the Alphabet?
What mistaken pronunciation gave this character its name?
Apostrophes 101
This small mark has two primary uses: to signify possession or omitted letters.
How Do I Get a Word into the Dictionary?
People invent new words all the time, but which ones actually make it?

Few English speakers likely know this word

Scrabble Words With Friends

Heartbreak