Certainly not the distaff (5)

I believe the answer is:

spear

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'distaff' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for spear that I've seen before include "Sharp weapon" , "pierce with this?" , "Impale" , "Spike" , "Stabbing, throwing, weapon" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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