plume
UK: pluːm | US: pluːm
n. a feather, especially a large or showy one
n. a feathery ornament or decoration
vt. to decorate or adorn with feathers
vt. (of a bird) to preen and arrange its feathers
The word "plume" traces back to Latin pluma, meaning "feather" or "down." It entered Middle English via Old French plume, retaining its core meaning of a feather, often emphasizing elegance or display. Over time, it expanded to include decorative uses (e.g., plumed hats) and the grooming behavior of birds ("pluming" themselves). The morpheme remains intact, reflecting its direct Latin-French lineage without fragmentation.
The peacock proudly displayed its vibrant plume.
Her hat was adorned with an ostrich plume.
The knight’s helmet bore a red plume as a symbol of rank.
The bird sat on the branch, carefully pluming its feathers.
A single white plume floated down from the sky.