gay-feather

[ gey-feth-er ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gay-feather¹

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 Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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 Project Gutenberg

What difference did it make whether she wore an old bonnet with green grass in it, or a round hat with a gay feather?

From Project Gutenberg