I. | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷ adjective
: calling for, requiring, or sanctioning featherbedding
a featherbed rule
: created by or resulting from featherbedding
a featherbed job
II. intransitive verb
1. : to require more workmen than are strictly needed or a placing of workmen in nonproductive or unnecessary jobs or a limiting of productive output under a featherbed rule
2. : to do featherbed work or to put in time in a featherbed job or under a featherbed rule
transitive verb
1. : to bring under a featherbed rule
many tasks are featherbedded to employ two craftsmen … where one would do — Time
2. : to assist or stimulate (as an industry or an economy) by government aid