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.
Etymology: obs. fledge (adj.) 'fit to fly', f. OE flycge (recorded in unfligge) f. a Gmc root rel. to FLY(1)