FEATHERBED Meaning and
Definition
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Featherbed can be defined as a noun or a verb, each with its own distinct meaning.
As a noun, featherbed refers to a soft and comfortable mattress topper that is filled with feathers or down. It is often used to enhance the comfort and softness of a mattress, making it more luxurious and cozy. Featherbeds were historically associated with luxury and opulence, as the use of feathers was considered a status symbol. However, they have become more accessible and available in various price ranges in modern times.
As a verb, featherbed means to provide excessive comfort, support, or protection to someone, typically to the point of coddling or pampering. This usage often carries a negative connotation, implying that someone is being overly indulged or shielded from difficulties or challenges. Featherbedding can also refer to a practice in labor unions where the number of workers is intentionally inflated, leading to inefficiency or redundancy in an organization.
In general, the term featherbed connotes a sense of comfort, cushioning, or excess, whether it pertains to a physical object like a mattress topper or to a figurative concept like excessive support or protection.
Common Misspellings for FEATHERBED
- deatherbed
- ceatherbed
- veatherbed
- geatherbed
- teatherbed
- reatherbed
- fwatherbed
- fsatherbed
- fdatherbed
- fratherbed
- f4atherbed
- f3atherbed
- feztherbed
- festherbed
- fewtherbed
- feqtherbed
- fearherbed
- feafherbed
- feagherbed
Etymology of FEATHERBED
The word "featherbed" is derived from the combination of two words, "feather" and "bed".
The term "feather" comes from the Old English word "fether", which was a common word used to describe the covering of a bird, specifically the outer plumage that provides insulation and flight capability. Over time, "feather" became associated with the individual, soft, and lightweight barbs making up a bird's plumage.
The word "bed" has its roots in the Proto-Germanic word "badjom", which referred to a sleeping place or a place to rest. This word was passed down through Old English "bedd" and Middle English "bedde" before evolving into the modern English "bed".
The combination of "feather" and "bed" in "featherbed" refers to a type of mattress or bedding that is stuffed or filled with feathers.
Similar spelling words for FEATHERBED
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