tar and feather

phrase

: to smear (a person) with tar and cover with feathers as a punishment or indignity

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Cite this Entry

“Tar and feather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tar%20and%20feather. Accessed 24 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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