ˈostrich-ˌfeather
Also 5–7 estrich-.
1. A feather of an ostrich, esp. one of the long curly quill-feathers of the wings or tail used as a personal ornament or for decorative purposes. Also fig.
| 1460–7 [see ostrich 1 γ]. 1473 J. Warkworth Chron. 14 He..wered ane estryche feder. ? c 1475 Sqr. lowe Degre 226 Oystryche fethers of dyvers hewe. a 1529 Skelton Bowge of Court 366 An eestryche fedder of a capons tayle He set..vpon his hat alofte. 1629 L. Owen Spec. Jesuit. 61 Hauing brought with him a present of Parots and Estrich-feathers. a 1771 Gray in Corr. (1843) 213 No one who had less than {pstlg}100 a year..was to wear satin, damask, ostrich feathers. 1868–82 Cussans Handbk. Heraldry (ed. 3) ix. 134 The Ostrich-feathers of Edward, Prince of Wales, and the Red and White Roses..are examples of Badges familiar to every student of English History. 1932 D. Gascoyne Roman Balcony 12 The ostrich feathers Of the waves That flap against the shore. 1957 M. B. Picken Fashion Dict. 238/2 Ostrich feathers, wing and tail feathers from an ostrich. Often several feathers are carefully glued together as one to give abundant appearance. Dyed in all colors and beautifully curled. 1977 Listener 15 Dec. 794/1 Before I graduated to ostrich feathers..I had absorbed..[a] vital principle: that diplomatic privilege exists mainly not to be made use of. |
| Comb. 1530 Palsgr. 250/1 Ostrydge fether sellar. 1813 Examiner 11 Jan. 22/1 S. Butler,..ostrich-feather-manufacturer. 1884 List of Subscribers (London & Globe Telephone Co.) Henry, C. S. & Co...Ostrich Feather Merchants, 12, Jewin Crescent. 1908 Westm. Gaz. 27 June 13/1 This suit was worn with a hat and ostrich-feather ruffle of a very charming soft grey tone. 1966 J. Laver Victoriana 131 Towards the end of the [19th] century large ostrich feather fans became fashionable. |
† 2. ? A marking or brand on a horse, resembling a feather of an ostrich.
Obs.| 1672 Lond. Gaz. No. 657/4 A Bay Mare about six years old,..with an Estrich Feather on the near side, and a black List down the Buttock. 1685 Ibid. No. 2524/4 A bright Bay Horse with..three Estery Feathers, one at his breast, and one at each side of his Neck. |