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spindle side

American  

noun

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


Etymology

Origin of spindle side

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The mother has no authority in such matters nor indeed has anyone on the "spindle" side.

From The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 16 by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir

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

It is a piteous thing when our little imperial fiefs go to the spindle side!’

From The Caged Lion by Yonge, Charlotte Mary

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

From The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 1 (of 25) by Lang, Andrew

Mme. de Beauseant is descended from the House of Burgundy, on the spindle side, 'tis true, but the name atones for everything.

From The Deserted Woman by Marriage, Ellen