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fledge definition

fledge (flej)

intransitive verb fledged, fledging fledg′·ing

to grow the feathers necessary for flying

Etymology: < ME flegge, ready to fly < OE (un)flycge, (un)fledged, akin to MHG vlücke, MDu vlugghe: for IE base see fly

transitive verb

  1. to rear (a young bird) until it is able to fly
  2. to supply or adorn with or as if with feathers or down; specif., to fit (an arrow, etc.) with feathers

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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