White Feather

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:

    Poverty was an ornament on a learned man like a red ribbon on a white horse.
    Anzia Yezierska (c. 1881–1970)

    Who blows death’s feather? What glory is colour?
    I blow the stammel feather in the vein.
    The loin is glory in a working pallor.
    My clay unsuckled and my salt unborn,
    The secret child, I shift about the sea
    Dry in the half-tracked thigh.
    Dylan Thomas (1914–1953)