—n.
1 any of the appendages growing from a bird's skin, with a horny hollow stem and fine strands.
2 one or more of these as decoration etc.
3 (collect.) a plumage. b game-birds.
—v.
1 tr. cover or line with feathers.
2 tr. Rowing turn (an oar) so that it passes through the air edgeways.
3 tr. Aeron. & Naut. a cause (the propeller blades) to rotate in such a way as to lessen the air or water resistance. b vary the angle of incidence of (helicopter blades).
4 intr. float, move, or wave like feathers.
Phrases and idioms:
feather bed a bed with a mattress stuffed with feathers. feather-bed v.tr. (-bedded, -bedding) provide with (esp. financial) advantages. feather-bedding the employment of excess staff. feather-brain (or -head) a silly or absent-minded person. feather-brained (or -headed) silly, absent-minded. feather-edge the fine edge of a wedge-shaped board. a feather in one's cap an achievement to one's credit. feather one's nest enrich oneself. feather-stitch ornamental zigzag sewing. in fine (or high) feather colloq. in good spirits.
Derivatives:
feathered adj. (also in comb.). featherless adj. feathery adj. featheriness n.
Etymology: OE fether, gefithrian, f. Gmc
Useful english dictionary. 2012.