ruffle feathers

:  roughen, abrade

:  trouble, vex

:  to erect in or like a ruff :  to cause to rise or bristle

:  commotion, brawl

:  a state or cause of irritation

:  a strip of fabric gathered or pleated on one edge

:  a low vibrating drumbeat less loud than a roll

:  any of the light, horny, epidermal outgrowths that form the external covering of the body of birds ◆Feathers include the smaller down feathers and the larger contour and flight feathers. Larger feathers consist of a shaft (rachis) bearing branches (barbs) which bear smaller branches (barbules). These smaller branches bear tiny hook-bearing processes (barbicels) which interlock with the barbules of an adjacent barb to link the barbs into a continuous stiff vane . Down feathers lack barbules, resulting in fluffy feathers which provide insulation below the contour feathers.

:  plume

:  the vane of an arrow

:  to furnish (something, such as an arrow) with a feather

:  to cover, clothe, or adorn with or as if with feathers

:  to turn (an oar blade) almost horizontal when lifting from the water at the end of a stroke to reduce air resistance