gay-feather

American

[gey-feth-er] / ˈgeɪˌfɛð ər /

noun

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

Etymology

Origin of gay-feather

An Americanism dating back to 1810–20

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.

Then, as Beltane glanced up, the leaves near by were dashed aside and Giles came bounding through, his gay feather shorn away, his escalloped cape wrenched and torn, his broadsword a-swing in his hand.

From Beltane the Smith by Farnol, Jeffery

Not a single gay feather relieves his sombre suit.

From Birds Every Child Should Know by Blanchan, Neltje

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

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

The name of gay feather, miscellaneously applied to several blazing stars, is especially deserved by this showy beauty of the family.

From Wild Flowers An Aid to Knowledge of Our Wild Flowers and Their Insect Visitors by Blanchan, Neltje

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