Search results for 'feather':

feather noun 1 any of the light growths that form the soft covering of a bird. 2 something with a featherlike appearance. 3 plumage. 4 condition; spirits • in fine feather. 5 something of little importance. 6 the feathered end of an arrow. 7 rowing the action of feathering an oar. verb (feathered, feathering) 1 to provide, cover or line with feathers. 2 to turn (one's oar) parallel to the water to lessen air resistance. featheriness noun. feathering noun. feathery adj. a feather in one's cap something one can be proud of. feather one's own nest to accumulate money for oneself, especially dishonestly. birds of a feather see under bird. in full or high feather greatly elated or in high spirits. make the feathers fly colloq to cause a commotion. ruffle someone's feathers to upset or offend someone. show the white feather to show signs of cowardice, a white feather in a gamecock's tail being considered as a sign of inferior breeding. You could have knocked me down with a feather I was astonished.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon.