Dictionary    Maps    Thesaurus    Translate    Advanced >   


Tip: Click Thesaurus above for synonyms. Also, follow synonym links within the dictionary to find definitions from other sources.

1. The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Plume \Plume\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Plumed; p. pr. & vb. n.
   Pluming.] [Cf. F. plumer to pluck, to strip, L. plumare to
   cover with feathers.]
   1. To pick and adjust the plumes or feathers of; to dress or
      prink.
      [1913 Webster]

            Pluming her wings among the breezy bowers. --W.
                                                  Irving.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To strip of feathers; to pluck; to strip; to pillage;
      also, to peel. [Obs.] --Bacon. Dryden.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. To adorn with feathers or plumes. "Farewell the plumed
      troop." --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. To pride; to vaunt; to boast; -- used reflexively; as, he
      plumes himself on his skill. --South.
      [1913 Webster]

   Plumed adder (Zool.), an African viper (Vipera cornuta,
      syn. Clotho cornuta), having a plumelike structure over
      each eye. It is venomous, and is related to the African
      puff adder. Called also horned viper and hornsman.

   Plumed partridge (Zool.), the California mountain quail
      (Oreortyx pictus). See Mountain quail, under
      Mountain.
      [1913 Webster]

2. The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Puff \Puff\, n. [Akin to G. & Sw. puff a blow, Dan. puf, D. pof;
   of imitative origin. Cf. Buffet.]
   1. A sudden and single emission of breath from the mouth;
      hence, any sudden or short blast of wind; a slight gust; a
      whiff. " To every puff of wind a slave." --Flatman.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Anything light and filled with air. Specifically:
      (a) A puffball.
      (b) kind of light pastry.
      (c) A utensil of the toilet for dusting the skin or hair
          with powder.
          [1913 Webster]

   3. An exaggerated or empty expression of praise, especially
      one in a public journal.
      [1913 Webster]

   Puff adder. (Zool.)
      (a) Any South African viper belonging to Clotho and
          allied genera. They are exceedingly venomous, and have
          the power of greatly distending their bodies when
          irritated. The common puff adder (Vipera arietans,
          or Clotho arietans) is the largest species, becoming
          over four feet long. The plumed puff adder (Clotho
          cornuta) has a plumelike appendage over each eye.
      (b) A North American harmless snake (Heterodon
          platyrrhinos) which has the power of puffing up its
          body. Called also hog-nose snake, flathead,
          spreading adder, and blowing adder.

   Puff bird (Zool.), any bird of the genus Bucco, or family
      Bucconid[ae]. They are small birds, usually with
      dull-colored and loose plumage, and have twelve tail
      feathers. See Barbet
      (b) .
          [1913 Webster]

Common Misspellings >
Most Popular Searches: Define Misanthrope, Define Pulchritudinous, Define Happy, Define Veracity, Define Cornucopia, Define Almuerzo, Define Atresic, Define URL, Definitions Of Words, Definition Of Get Up, Definition Of Quid Pro Quo, Definition Of Irreconcilable Differences, Definition Of Word, Synonyms of Repetitive, Synonym Dictionary, Synonym Antonyms. See our main index and map index for more details.

©2011-2024 ZebraWords.com - Define Yourself - The Search for Meanings and Meaning Means I Mean. All content subject to terms and conditions as set out here. Contact Us, peruse our Privacy Policy