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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 also

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