v. 1 intr. (of a bird) grow feathers. 2 tr. provide (an arrow) with feathers. 3 tr. bring up (a young bird) until it can fly. 4 tr. (as fledged adj.) a able to fly. b independent; mature. 5 tr. deck or provide with feathers or down.
[ obs. fledge (adj.) 'fit to fly', f. OE flycge (recorded in unfligge) f. a Gmc root rel. to FLY(1) ]