feathering

Pluralfeatherings (some meanings)

1. 1
   verb

   Present participle and gerund of feather. Use this form for the action happening now.

   The rower kept feathering the oar against the strong wind.

   She was feathering the edges of the wet paint for a softer look.

   Note
2. 2
   noununcountable

   The covering of feathers on a bird's body.

   Like a warm coat made entirely of feathers.

   The owl's soft feathering lets it fly almost without any sound.

   This little bird grows thick feathering to stay warm in winter.

   Similarplumage

3. 3
   nouncountable or uncountable

   A soft, feather-like look or texture on a surface.

   Like the soft, spreading edges of a single feather.

   The frost left a delicate feathering across the cold window.

   Her new haircut had a light feathering around the face.

   Note
4. 4
   noununcountable

   Thin spreading lines of ink that appear when paper soaks up too much.

   Like a drop of water spreading into tiny lines on a paper towel.

   Cheap paper caused a lot of feathering when she used her fountain pen.

   The ink showed heavy feathering, so the letters looked fuzzy.

   Similarspreading

   Note
5. 5
   noununcountable

   The job of attaching feathers to an arrow.

   Like adding fins to a toy rocket so it flies straight.

   The feathering of each arrow took him most of the afternoon.

   Careful feathering helps an arrow spin and fly straight.

   Similarfletching

6. 6
   noununcountable

   A row of small curved shapes with points between them, used to decorate the inside of an arch.

   Like a row of small petal shapes lined up along the edge of an arch.

   The old church door had delicate feathering carved around the arch.

   Stone feathering decorated the top of each tall window.

   Similarcusping, foliation

   Note

Showing meanings only. Show all 6