White Feather - A Symbol of Cowardice

A Symbol of Cowardice

The white feather as a symbol of cowardice supposedly comes from cockfighting and the belief that a cockerel sporting a white feather in its tail is likely to be a poor fighter. Pure-breed gamecocks do not show white feathers, so its presence indicates that the cockerel is an inferior cross-breed.

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Famous quotes containing the words symbol and/or cowardice:

    “The truth has never been of any real value to any human being—it is a symbol for mathematicians and philosophers to pursue. In human relations kindness and lies are worth a thousand truths.”
    —Graham Greene (1904–1991)

    “It is from cowardice and not from want of enlightenment that we do not read in our own hearts.”
    —Stendhal [Marie Henri Beyle] (1783–1842)