An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

One of light appendages that grow from a bird’s skin and form its covering.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from O.E. fether; akin to Du. veder, Ger. Feder, O.N. fioþr, Sw. fjäder, from PIE root *pet- “to rush, to fly.”

Etymology (PE): Parr “feather,” variant bâl “wing,” Mid.Pers. parr “feather, wing,” bâl; Av. parəna- “feather,” Skt. parnam, cf.
O.H.G. farn “fern,” PIE pornom “feather.”