feath·er·ing / ˈfe[voicedth]əring/ • n. 1. the plumage of a bird or part of a bird. ∎  featherlike markings or structure: traditional finishes such as marbling and feathering. ∎  the feathers of an arrow. ∎  fringes of hairs on the appendages or body of a dog. ∎  Archit. cusping in tracery.2. the action of varying the angle of propellers, rotor blades, or oars so as to reduce air or water resistance.

feathering. Arrangement of small foils separated by cusps, usually on the inner mouldings of Gothic arches.