n. One of the epidermal appendages which together constitute the plumage, the peculiar covering of birds; also, collectively, the plumage.n. Something in the form of a feather, or resembling nearly or remotely the standard of a feather; something made of feathers.n. Specifically — A plume.n. In founding, a thin rib cast on iron framing to strengthen it and resist bending or fracture.n. A slip inserted longitudinally into a shaft or arbor, and projecting so as to fit a groove in the eye of a wheel.n. One of two pieces of metal placed in a hole in a stone which is to be split, a wedge-shaped key or plug being driven between them for this purpose.n. In joinery, a projection on the edge of a board which fits into a channel on the edge of another board, in the operation of joining boards by grooving and feathering, or grooving and tonguing, as it is more commonly called.n. On a horse, a sort of natural frizzling of the hair, which in some places rises above the smooth coat, and makes a figure resembling the tip of an ear of wheat.n. A foamy spray of water thrown up and backward on each side of the cutwater of a swiftly moving vessel, or from the edge of an oar when turned horizontally. See feather-spray.n. The fringe of hair on the back of the legs, on the neck, or on the ears of some breeds of dogs, as setters. Also featheringn. In precious stones, an irregular flaw. See the extract.n. The feathered end or string-end of an arrow.n. Kind; nature; species: from the proverbial phrase “birds of a feather”—that is, of the same species.n. In sporting, birds collectively; fowls: as, fur, fin, and feather.n. Among confectioners, one of the degrees in boiling sugar, preceded by the blow, and followed by the ball.n. Something as light as a feather; hence, something very unimportant; a trifle.n. In rowing, the act of feathering. See feather, v. t., 6.n. Quill-feathern. a large pennaceous feather with a stout barrel or quill, which is or may be used for writing; a quill. The large flight-and rudder-feathers of the wings and tail are of this kind.To cover with feathers; hence, to cover with something resembling feathers.To adorn; enrich or advantage; exalt.To fit with a feather or feathers, as an arrow.To tread: said of a cock.To join by tonguing and grooving, as boards.In rowing, to turn the blade of (an oar) nearly horizontally, with the upper edge pointing toward the bow, as it leaves the water, so that the water runs off it in a feathery form, for the purpose of lessening the resistance of the air upon it, and decreasing the danger of catching the water as it is moved back into position for a new stroke.To have or produce the appearance or form of a feather or feathers, as the ripples at the bow of a moving vessel. See feather-spray.To be or become feathery in appearance; appear thin or feathery by contrast.In rowing, to let the water drop off in a feathery spray, as the blade of an oar when turned nearly horizontally on leaving the water.n. In archery, a piece cut from one side of a feather, trimmed to the desired size and shape, and glued upon an arrow near the nock to improve its flight.To drop (melted metallic tin) into cold water, which has the effect of spreading it out with a feathery appearance.To make a quivering movement of the tail: said of dogs.