Feather
/ˈfɛð.ər/noun
A feather is a light, flat growth that forms the covering of birds.
Did you know?In ancient Egyptian culture, feathers symbolized truth and justice, often associated with the goddess Ma'at, who weighed the hearts of the dead against a feather in the afterlife.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pəth₂r̥
“to spread out or to extend, reflecting the structure of feathers.”
Old English
Old English
feðer
“the light, flexible covering of birds.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*feþrō
“the same, relating to bird covering.”
Old Norse
Old Norse
fjǫðr
“a feather, used in various contexts including warmth and protection.”
Middle English
Middle English
fether
“the same, referring to the plumage or covering of birds.”
Modern English
English
feather
“the same, retaining its meaning and usage into contemporary language.”