Main Entry: fledge

Pronunciation: \ˈflej\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): fledged; fledg·ing

Etymology: fledge capable of flying, from Middle English flegge, from Old English -flycge; akin to Old High German flucki capable of flying, Old English flēogan to fly — more at fly

Date: 1566

intransitive verb of a young bird : to acquire the feathers necessary for flight or independent activity; also : to leave the nest after acquiring such featherstransitive verb 1 : to rear until ready for flight or independent activity
2 : to cover with or as if with feathers or down
3 : to furnish (as an arrow) with feathers