Emplume

/ɛmˈpluːm/ verb

Definition

To cover, adorn, or furnish with plumes or feathers; to dress with feathered ornamentation.

Etymology

From em- (in, into) + plume (feather). The word combines a Latin prefix with Romance language roots for feather, emerging in English during the ornamental fashion periods.

Kelly Says

Emplume captures the Victorian and Edwardian obsession with feathered hats that literally required slaughtering millions of birds—some species went nearly extinct just to 'emplume' wealthy women's wardrobes with egret plumes and ostrich feathers.

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