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fledging - 2 dictionary results

fledge

  [flej] verb, fledged, fledg⋅ing, adjective
Use fledging in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to bring up (a young bird) until it is able to fly.
2. to furnish with or as if with feathers or plumage.
3. to provide (an arrow) with feathers.
–verb (used without object)
4. (of a young bird) to acquire the feathers necessary for flight.
–adjective
5. Archaic. (of young birds) able to fly.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME flegge (fully-)fledged, OE *flecge, as var. of -flycge; c. OHG flucki, MLG vlügge (> G flügge); akin to fly 1

Related forms:
fledgeless, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To fledging
fledge   (flěj)   
v.   fledged, fledg·ing, fledg·es

v.   tr.
  1. To take care of (a young bird) until it is ready to fly.
  2. To cover with or as if with feathers.
  3. To provide (an arrow) with feathers.
v.   intr.
To grow the plumage necessary for flight.

[Probably from obsolete fledge, feathered, from Middle English flegge, from Old English *flycge; see pleu- in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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