swine's-feather

noun

variants or less commonly swine's-pike
ˈ⸗ˌ⸗
plural swine's-feathers also swine's-pikes
: a stake or spear resembling a bayonet formerly fixed in a musket rest or placed in the ground to hinder cavalry

Word History

Etymology

translation of German schweinsfeder; so called from its being originally used as a hunting weapon

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near swine's-feather

Cite this Entry

“Swine's-feather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/swine%27s-feather. Accessed 4 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!