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feath·er·bed | \ ˈfe-t͟hər-ˌbed 
\
\Definition of featherbed
(Entry 1 of 3)
: calling for, sanctioning, or resulting from featherbedding a featherbed rule a featherbed job
featherbed
verbfeatherbedded; featherbedding; featherbeds
Definition of featherbed (Entry 2 of 3)
1a : to require that more workers be hired than are needed
b : to limit production under a featherbed rule
2 : to do featherbed work or put in time under a featherbed rule
1 : to bring under a featherbed rule
2 : to assist (something, such as an industry) by government aid
feather bed
nounDefinition of feather bed (Entry 3 of 3)
1 : a feather mattress
2 : a bed having a feather mattress
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Time Traveler for featherbed
The first known use of featherbed was before the 12th century
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