Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To remove the feathers from; to pluck. This is a technical or literary term for the act of stripping a bird of its plumage.

Usage

• The verb "deplumate" is used to describe the specific action of pulling out feathers. It is a formal term, often found in zoological, historical, or literary contexts rather than everyday speech. The object of the verb is the bird being plucked.
• Example: "The ancient recipe instructed to first deplumate the pheasant before roasting."

Examples

• Verb:
  • The falconer had to deplumate the injured wing to treat the bird properly.
  • In some cultures, they deplumate certain birds for their decorative feathers.

Advanced Usage

• "to be deplumated" (passive voice): to have had one's feathers removed.
  • The captured eagle was deplumated and could no longer fly.

Variants and Related Words

• Deplume (verb): A direct synonym meaning to strip of feathers.
• Pluck (verb): The much more common, everyday word for the same action.
• Depilation (noun): The act of removing hair. While related in concept (removing a covering), it is not used for feathers.

Synonyms

• Pluck: To pull out feathers or hair.
• Strip: To remove a covering (often used with "of feathers").
• Denude: To make bare or naked (can be used in a figurative sense for feathers).

Antonyms

• Fledge: To grow feathers suitable for flight.
• Preen: To groom and arrange feathers with the beak.

Notes on Meaning

• "Deplumate" refers strictly to the removal of feathers from a bird. It is not used for removing hair from mammals or for any other type of stripping. The example phrases "pull a chicken" and "pluck the capon" are informal or specific instructions that are synonymous with the action described by "deplumate."

Verb

1. strip of feathers
   • pull a chicken
   • pluck the capon