Feather has 10 different meanings across 3 categories:
Noun · Verb · Proper Noun
turning an oar parallel to the water between pulls
"The rower carefully feathered his oar to reduce wind resistance as he glided across the lake."
A branching, hair-like structure that grows on the bodies of birds, used for flight, swimming, protection and display.
"The delicate feather caught in the wind shimmered as it helped the bird glide effortlessly through the sky."
In plain English: A feather is a light, soft covering that grows on birds to help them fly and keep warm.
"She gently brushed a feather from her shoulder after walking through the park."
Usage: Use "feather" as a noun when referring to the light, branching structures covering bird wings and tails that aid in flight and insulation. As a verb, it specifically means to attach these plumes to arrows or other objects for stability rather than simply describing something soft like downy material.
join tongue and groove, in carpentry
"The carpenter carefully feathered the edges of the two boards to create a seamless joint."
cover or fit with feathers
"The tailor carefully feathered the edges of the garment to soften its appearance."
To cover or furnish with feathers; (when of an arrow) to fletch.
"The archer carefully feathered his arrows before loading them into the bow."
In plain English: To feather something means to move it gently and smoothly, often by using soft motions with your hands or fingers.
"The wind feathered her hair across her face while she walked through the park."
A surname.
"The Feather family has lived in that small village for three generations."
The word "feather" comes from Old English and originally meant a feather or a wing. Its roots trace back to ancient languages where the related verb meant "to fly."