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Glite Dictionary
featherwork

featherwork

1 8.4
Decorations made by arranging feathers on objects
  • noun
  • /ˈfɛðərˌwɜrk/
: plumaria
  • The museum displayed beautiful featherwork that showcased the intricate designs made entirely from colorful feathers.

Examples

  • During the festival, artists proudly showcased their featherwork, displaying items crafted with skill and creativity.

  • Ivory, obsidian, shell, bone, and horn artifacts, such as jewelry, sculptures, and artfully carved and decorated practical tools, as well as exquisite featherwork and fine clothing, were widely objects of desire.

    Academic text (2000)

  • If there was little or no cash, they accepted payment in the form of indigenous artifacts—ceramics, beadwork, or featherwork—which they could sell in their shops.

    Academic text (1996)

  • The Aztec overlords exacted a heavy tribute from the region, which included fine textiles, shells, and featherwork that they shipped to their capital of Tenochtitlan.

    Academic text (2010)

  • She bought a stunning piece of featherwork that adorned the wall of her living room, making it feel more vibrant.

How Decorative

headdress
15 5.6
featherwork
1 8.4

Surface Forms

featherwork singular
featherworks plural

Morphology

featherwork = feather + work (transparent) = feather + work

The compound directly denotes objects or craft made from feathers, which is readily inferable from 'feather' + 'work'.

Etymology

The word featherwork is simply feather + work, so it literally means 'work with feathers'. That's why it refers to decorative art made by putting feathers together and fixing them to things like headdresses or shields.