plume

/ˈpljuːm//ˈplum/

noun

  1. 1

    A feather of a bird, especially a large or showy one used as a decoration.

  2. 2

    A cluster of feathers worn as an ornament, especially on a helmet; a hackle.

  3. 3

    A token of honour or prowess; that on which one prides oneself; a prize or reward.

  4. 4

    The vane of a feather, especially when on a quill pen or the fletching of an arrow.

  5. 5

    Short for plume moth.

  6. 6

    Things resembling a feather.

verb

  1. 1

    To adorn, cover, or furnish with feathers or plumes, or as if with feathers or plumes.

  2. 2

    Chiefly of a bird: to arrange and preen the feathers of, specifically in preparation for flight; hence , to prepare for (something).

  3. 3

    (by extension) To congratulate (oneself) proudly, especially concerning something unimportant or when taking credit for another person's effort; to self-congratulate.

    He plumes himself on his skill.
  4. 4

    To strip (a bird) of feathers; to pluck.

  5. 5

    Of a dispersed substance such as dust or smoke: to fan out or spread in a cloud.

    Smoke plumed from his pipe, then slowly settled towards the floor.

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