■ noun
1》 any of the flat appendages growing from a bird's skin, consisting of a partly hollow horny shaft fringed with vanes of barbs.
2》 ( ~s ) a fringe of long hair on the legs of a dog, horse, or other animal.
■ verb
1》 rotate the blades of (a propeller) about their own axes in such a way as to lessen the air or water resistance.
↘ Rowing turn (an oar) so that it passes through the air edgeways.
2》 [as adjective ~ed ] covered or decorated with ~s.
3》 float or move like a ~.
Phrases
a ~ in one's cap an achievement to be proud of.
~ one's ( own ) nest make money selfishly or opportunistically.
Derivatives
~iness noun
~less adjective
~y adjective
Origin
OE fether , of Gmc origin.