Definition

1. Verb:
   • To strip of feathers: To remove the feathers from a bird.
   • To strip of honors, possessions, or attributes: To deprive someone of their rank, titles, or possessions, often in a humiliating or forceful manner.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • The farmer had to deplume the goose before preparing it for cooking.
  • The corrupt official was deplumed of all his titles and assets after the scandal.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: Often used in formal or literary contexts to describe the act of stripping someone of status or dignity.
  • The revolution sought to deplume the aristocracy of its ancient privileges.

Variants and Related Words

• Deplumation (n): The act or process of depluming.
• Plume (n/v): A feather; to preen or adorn with feathers. (Note: "Deplume" is the opposite action of adorning with plumes).

Synonyms

• Pluck: To pull out feathers or hair.
• Strip: To remove a covering or possessions.
• Divest: To deprive someone of power, rights, or possessions.

Related Phrases

• To be deplumed: To be in a state of having been stripped of feathers or honors.
  • The defeated general was utterly deplumed and sent into exile.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary, literal meaning involves the physical removal of feathers from a bird.
• The secondary, figurative meaning is more abstract, relating to the removal of non-physical attributes like honor, rank, or status. This usage is less common and typically found in formal writing.

Verb

1. strip of feathers
   • pull a chicken
   • pluck the capon
2. strip of honors, possessions, or attributes