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featherbone

American  
[feth-er-bohn] / ˈfɛð ərˌboʊn /

noun

  1. a substitute for whalebone, made from the quills of domestic fowls.

Etymology

Origin of featherbone

An Americanism dating back to 1885–90; feather + bone

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.

Hooks, eyes, buttons, tape, linings, featherbone and shields are requisites not to be forgotten.

From Textiles and Clothing by Watson, Kate Heintz

It is used to finish flannel seams and hems, fasten down linings, opened seams, and canvas facings and featherbone, in millinery—in fact, this stitch is one of the most useful in sewing.

From Textiles and Clothing by Watson, Kate Heintz

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.