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feather-legged

American  
[feth-er-leg-id, -legd] / ˈfɛð ərˌlɛg ɪd, -ˌlɛgd /

adjective

Southern U.S.
  1. cowardly.


Etymology

Origin of feather-legged

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The feather-legged assassin bug, which also preys on ants in Australia, is triumphant less than 3 percent of the time.

From New York Times • Sep. 19, 2022

"I'm feather-legged Ned, with ther consumptive corf," said Nickie.

From The Missing Link by Dyson, Edward

They appear now in strange and diverse guise, the ponderous and feather-legged Cochin-China, the clean-limbed and wiry game, the crested Houdan, the Minorca with its monstrous comb, and the puny bantam.

From Concerning Animals and Other Matters by Aitken, Edward Hamilton

In the United States both names are used, the feather-legged being called Shanghaes, and the clean-legged Cochins.

From Poultry A Practical Guide to the Choice, Breeding, Rearing, and Management of all Descriptions of Fowls, Turkeys, Guinea-fowls, Ducks, and Geese, for Profit and Exhibition. by Piper, Hugh