A white feather has been a traditional symbol of cowardice, used and recognised especially within the British Army and in countries associated with the British Empire since the 18th century. It also carries opposite meanings, however: in some cases of pacifism, and in the United States, of extraordinary bravery and excellence in combat marksmanship.
Read more about White Feather: A Symbol of Cowardice, A Symbol of Pacifism and Peace, Other Symbolism
Famous quotes containing the words white and/or feather:
“the white eyes writhing in his face,
His hanging face, like a devil’s sick of sin;
If you could hear, at every jolt, the blood
Come gargling from the froth-corrupted lungs,
Obscene as cancer,”
—Wilfred Owen (1893–1918)
“A feather bed had every man,
Warm slippers and hot-water can,
Brown windsor from the captain’s store,
A valet, too, to every four.”
—Sir William Schwenck Gilbert (1836–1911)