E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Feather One’s Oar (To).
To feather an oar is to turn the blade parallel with the surface of the water as the hands are moved forward for a fresh stroke. (The Greek pteron means both “an oar” and “a feather;” and the verb ptero, to “furnish with oars” or “with feathers.”) The oar throws off the water in a feathery spray.
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“He feathered his oars with such skill and dexterity.”
, to “furnish with oars” or “with feathers.”) The oar throws off the water in a feathery spray.
