The majority of books I read growing up were of the Jane Austen or Louisa May Alcott variety. When the media you're exposed to predominately comes from the 1700s and 1800s, you pick up some peculiar turns of phrase. One that made its way into my vocabulary was "in fine feather". I wasn't even aware until recently that most people don't use this expression, let alone know what it refers to. So, a little useless education is coming your way, thanks to our trusty friend the internet...

 

In Fine Feather:

1. In remarkably attractive clothing.

Look at that gown! She is certainly in fine feather tonight.

2. Doing well, perhaps because one is healthy, happy, or excelling in some area.

He seemed sad the last time I saw him, so I'm glad he's in fine feather tonight.

 

In Fine Feather:

1. Fig. well dressed; of an excellent appearance. (Alludes to a bird that has clean, bright, and flawless feathers.)

Well, you are certainly in fine feather today. I like to be in fine feather when I have to give a speech.

2. Fig. in good form; in good spirits.

Mary was really in fine feather tonight. Her concert was great! I feel in fine feather and ready to go!

 

In Fine Feather:

In good or high feather. In excellent form, health, or humor.

For example, He was in fine feather, joking with all his visitors.

These expressions all allude to a bird's healthy plumage, a usage dating from the late 1500s and no longer very common.

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In addition to being a place where I can express my random thoughts and musings, this blog is intended to be a resource hub to help myself and others be in fine feather-- or to be happy, in good health, good form, good spirits, good humor, and our most attractive self  (emotionally, mentally, physically, and spiritually). That is the goal. However, I have been a recovering perfectionist for years, and I no longer see it as realistic for my aim to ever be perfectly "in fine feather". I only believe in us doing the best we can, a little better than the day before, and one step at a time--on our journey to simply being in finer feather.