contour feather

noun

Ornithology.

1. one of the feathers that form the surface plumage of a bird, including those of the wings and tail but excluding such specialized types as downs and filoplumes.

contour feather

noun

1. any of the feathers that cover the body of an adult bird, apart from the wings and tail, and determine its shape

Word History and Origins

Origin of contour feather¹

First recorded in 1865–70