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Meaning of tar and feather | Babel Free

Verb CEFR C1

Definitions

To cover (a person) in sticky tar, then cover in feathers which stick to the tar; an archaic means of humiliating a person.

transitive

Examples

“1855 — George A. Smith, Journal of Discourses, Volume 3 "Preaching the Gospel" "O," say⟳ they, "if you talk⟳ with a Mormon Elder, you are sure to get⟳ worsted; tar and feather them, mob them, and stone them out of the country, for if you listen⟳ to them, you will be deceived."”
“...they'd be along pretty soon and give⟳ me 'bout half an hour's start⟳, and then run⟳ me down if they could; and if they got me they'd tar and feather me and ride⟳ me on a rail, sure. I didn't wait⟳ for no breakfast—I warn't hungry.”

CEFR level

C1
Advanced
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.
See all C1 English words →

See also

tar out tar with the same brush tar with the same stick tar-and-feather tar-and-feathered tar-and-feathering

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