gay-feather

American  

[gey-feth-er] / ˈgeɪˌfɛð ər /

noun

1. any of several composite plants of the genus Liatris, especially L. spicata or L. scariosa, having hairy leaves and long clusters of purplish flowers.

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Etymology

Origin of gay-feather

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20

Example Sentences

The boy was prettily attired in a military costume, and wore a toy sword at his side and a gay feather in his cap.

From A Dream of Empire Or, The House of Blennerhassett by Venable, William Henry

Then Chick had picked up a gay feather that had floated down from a scarlet bird that sang in the tree-tops, and tore off silk from a cocoon.

From Bird Stories by Sim, Robert J.

Thistledown wore a green suit, a purple cloak, a gay feather in his cap, and was as handsome an elf as one could wish to see.

From Lulu's Library, Volume II by Alcott, Louisa May

Not a single gay feather relieves his sombre suit.

From Birds Every Child Should Know by Blanchan, Neltje

Her hair was palpably dyed—her hat was jauntily set on her head, and ornamented with a gay feather.

From I Say No by Collins, Wilkie