show the white feather en · VERB
Pronunciation
- (US) audio
Etymology
A white feather in the tail of a cock was considered an indication that he was not of the true game breed.
Meanings
-
To display cowardice.
I hope, Digory, you are not given to showing the white feather. I should be very sorry to think that anyone of our family had not enough honour and chivalry to go to the aid of-er-a lady in distress.
1955, C. S. Lewis, The Magician’s Nephew:You don’t want to show the white feather in front of all the kids.
1948, Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey, Cheaper By the Dozen:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| showing the white feather | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| shown the white feather | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| shows the white feather | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic | |
| showed the white feather | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | US, also | lexicographic |
| showed the white feather | Tense=Past | lexicographic |