feather bed
Definition
- Noun:
- A soft mattress stuffed with feathers: A type of bed mattress traditionally filled with feathers, especially from ducks or geese, known for providing a very soft and plush sleeping surface.
Usage
As a direct object: Typically used to refer to the mattress itself.
- They slept on a luxurious feather bed.
- The antique feather bed was surprisingly comfortable.
With possessive adjectives: To indicate ownership or association.
- Her grandmother's feather bed was passed down through the family.
Examples
- The hotel room featured a large, inviting feather bed.
- After the long journey, sinking into the feather bed felt like heaven.
- He prefers the firm support of a modern mattress over an old feather bed.
Advanced Usage
- "To feather-bed" (verb, derived): In economics and labor contexts, this means to provide with unnecessary or excess employment, or to make things artificially easy or cushy. This is a separate, figurative use derived from the noun.
- The union was accused of trying to feather-bed the workforce, resisting automation to protect jobs.
- Some argue that government subsidies feather-bed inefficient industries.
Variants and Related Words
Featherbedding (noun): The practice of requiring an employer to hire more workers than are needed or to limit work output, often as part of a union agreement.
- The contract was criticized for its featherbedding clauses.
Down mattress: A similar mattress stuffed with the soft, fine under-feathers (down) of birds, often considered even more luxurious.
Synonyms
- Down mattress (specifically if filled with down)
- Plush mattress (describing the soft quality, but not the filling)
Notes
- The term "feather bed" specifically denotes the mattress. The complete sleeping setup (mattress, frame, covers) is typically called a "bed."
- Historically, feather beds were a sign of comfort and wealth. The modern equivalent is often a mattress with down or feather toppers or pillows.
Noun
-
a mattress stuffed with feathers
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ gần giống
Từ chứa "feather bed"
