feathering

noun

feath·​er·​ing ˈfe-t͟hə-riŋ 

ˈfet͟h-riŋ

1

: a covering of feathers : plumage

2

: a fringe of hair (as on the legs of a dog) see dog illustration

Examples of feathering in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Advertisement The tax sparked fierce resistance, especially among western Pennsylvania farmers, who saw it as a sign of the federal government's tyrannical bent, and organized protests that escalated into the tarring and feathering of tax collectors. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 25 May 2026

While the name Precision sounds intense, this lip pencil is fine for artistry at every level, with a hydrating formula made with vitamin E, triglyceride, and cottonseed oil that frames the lips without a hint of feathering. —Micaela English, Glamour, 30 Apr. 2026

January 20 – February 18 Your nest could potentially use a little feathering! —Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 30 Mar. 2026

Her performance proved that a 20-year-old woman can be strong, feathering, free, warm to her competitors, and salty all at the same time. —Sally Jenkins, The Atlantic, 22 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1721, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for feathering

• tethering
• weathering