plumed etymology

Etymology:

The English word "plumed" is derived from the Middle English word "plume," which in turn comes from the Latin word "pluma," meaning "feather." The suffix "-ed" is added to indicate the past tense or past participle of a verb.

Meaning:

The meaning of "plumed" has evolved over time. In its original sense, it referred to something that was adorned with feathers or a plume. However, it has come to have a more figurative meaning, referring to something that is highly decorated, elaborate, or showy.

Origin:

The use of feathers as a decorative element dates back to ancient times. In many cultures, feathers were worn as symbols of power, rank, or religious significance. In the Middle Ages, plumed helmets were worn by knights and other warriors to intimidate their opponents.

Over time, the term "plumed" became more widely used to describe anything that was elaborate or showy. This usage is reflected in the following quote from Shakespeare's "Hamlet":

"What a piece of work is a man! How noble in reason, how infinite in faculty! In form and moving how express and admirable! In action how like an angel! In apprehension how like a god! The beauty of the world, the paragon of animals—and yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust? Man delights not me. No, nor woman neither, though by your smiling you seem to say so. — Plumed a serpent with wings to sting and tickle."

In this passage, Hamlet compares man to a "plumed serpent," suggesting that he is outwardly beautiful and majestic but inwardly venomous and dangerous.

Today, "plumed" is commonly used in a figurative sense to describe something that is highly decorated, elaborate, or showy. It can also be used to describe someone who is arrogant or pretentious.

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