feather-legged

[ feth-er-leg-id, -legd ]

adjective

, Southern U.S.

1. cowardly.

Word History and Origins

Origin of feather-legged¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

The feather-legged assassin bug, which also preys on ants in Australia, is triumphant less than 3 percent of the time.

From New York Times

In the United States both names are used, the feather-legged being called Shanghaes, and the clean-legged Cochins.

From Project Gutenberg

Naturally, the Germans are too wise not to be suspicious; those French people might be cunning enough to disguise their carriers as big white feather-legged pigeons.

From Project Gutenberg

"Do, do," said the Feather-legged Hen.

From Project Gutenberg

"It is, it is," said the Feather-legged Hen.

From Project Gutenberg