feather (ˈfɛðə) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) |
| |
| —n |
| 1. | any of the flat light waterproof epidermal structures forming the plumage of birds, each consisting of a hollow shaft having a vane of barbs on either side. They are essential for flight and help maintain body temperature |
| 2. | something resembling a feather, such as a tuft of hair or grass |
| 3. | archery |
| | a. a bird's feather or artificial substitute fitted to an arrow to direct its flight |
| | b. the feathered end of an arrow, opposite the head |
| 4. | a strip, spline, or tongue of wood fitted into a groove |
| 5. | the wake created on the surface of the water by the raised periscope of a submarine |
| 6. | rowing Compare square the position of an oar turned parallel to the water between strokes |
| 7. | a step in ballroom dancing in which a couple maintain the conventional hold but dance side by side |
| 8. | condition of spirits; fettle: in fine feather |
| 9. | something of negligible value; jot: I don't care a feather |
| 10. | birds of a feather people of the same type, character, or interests |
| 11. | feather in one's cap a cause for pleasure at one's achievements: your promotion is a feather in your cap |
| 12. | (Irish) not take a feather out of someone, not knock a feather out of someone to fail to upset or injure someone: it didn't take a feather out of him |
| |
| —vb |
| 13. | (tr) to fit, cover, or supply with feathers |
| 14. | rowing Compare square to turn (an oar) parallel to the water during recovery between strokes, principally in order to lessen wind resistance |
| 15. | (in canoeing) to turn (a paddle) parallel to the direction of the canoe between strokes, while keeping it in the water, principally in order to move silently |
| 16. | to change the pitch of (an aircraft propeller) so that the chord lines of the blades are in line with the airflow |
| 17. | (tr) to join (two boards) by means of a tongue-and-groove joint |
| 18. | (intr) (of a bird) to grow feathers |
| 19. | (intr) to move or grow like feathers |
| 20. | feather one's nest to provide oneself with comforts, esp financial |
| |
| [Old English fether; related to Old Frisian fethere, Old Norse fjöthr feather, Old High German fedara wing, Greek petesthai to fly, Sanskrit patati he flies] |
| |
| 'featherless |
| |
| —adj |
| |
| 'feather-like |
| |
| —adj |
| |
| 'feathery |
| |
| —adj |