plume

• Substantif désignant une plume d'oiseau, ou un objet ou un ornement qui y ressemble par sa forme ou sa légèreté, tel qu'un panache ou une touffe de plumes portée comme décoration.

A noun referring to something that resembles a feather in shape or lightness, a feather or cluster of feathers worn as an ornament, or the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds.

1. Feather-like objectB2formal

   Anything that resembles a feather in shape or lightness, such as a cloud or smoke formation.

   plume (objet ressemblant à une plume)

   • A plume of smoke rose from the chimney.
   • The volcano emitted a massive plume of ash.
   • A white plume of steam escaped from the kettle.

   Synonymesbillowcolumnpuffstreakstreamtrailwisp

2. Ornamental featherB2formal

   A feather or cluster of feathers worn as an ornament on a hat, helmet, or other headgear.

   plume ornementale

   • The knight's helmet was adorned with a red plume.
   • She wore a hat with an elegant ostrich plume.
   • The ceremonial headdress featured a plume of peacock feathers.

   Synonymesaigrettecrestfeatherpanachetuft

3. Bird featherB1formalscientific

   The light, horny, waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds.

   Plume d'oiseau

   • The bird preened its plume to keep it clean.
   • A single plume drifted down from the eagle's wing.
   • The peacock displayed its colorful plume proudly.

   Synonymesfeatherpinionplumulequill

• Verbe signifiant orner ou décorer de plumes, ou se déployer comme un panache ; il s'emploie aussi au sens figuré pour désigner l'action de se vanter ou de tirer fierté de soi-même.

A verb meaning to adorn or decorate with feathers, or to spread out like a plume; also used figuratively to mean to show off or pride oneself.

1. To overcharge or swindleC1informal

   To charge an excessively high price for something; to cheat someone financially.

   Plumer (voler, escroquer)

   • The taxi driver tried to plume the tourists for a short ride.
   • That shop really plumed me for a simple repair.
   • He felt he had been plumed when he saw the final bill.

   Synonymescheatdefraudfleecegougemulctoverchargerip offrobstingswindle

2. To feel or show prideC2formal

   To take pride in something, often in a self-satisfied or boastful manner.

   se glorifier

   • She plumed herself on her ability to solve complex problems.
   • He plumed himself on his extensive knowledge of history.
   • They plumed themselves on their team's victory.

   Synonymescongratulateexultglorypiquepreenpride

   Antonymesbelittledisparagehumbleshame

3. To adorn with feathersC1formal

   To decorate or dress with a feather or feathers.

   orner de plumes

   • The knight's helmet was plumed with a bright red feather.
   • The performer's costume was plumed with ostrich feathers.
   • The hat was plumed elegantly for the royal ceremony.

   Synonymesfeather

4. To preen (of a bird)B2formal

   To clean or arrange feathers with the beak, as a bird does.

   lisser son plumage (en parlant d'un oiseau)

   • The parrot sat on its perch, pluming its feathers.
   • The bird spent several minutes pluming its wings.
   • After bathing, the sparrow began to plume itself.

   Synonymesarrangecleandressgroompreentend

5. To rise or spread like a plumeB2formal

   To form a shape resembling a plume, such as smoke or steam rising.

   s'élever en panache

   • Smoke plumed from the chimney into the cold air.
   • Steam plumed from the hot springs.
   • Dust plumed behind the speeding car.

   Synonymesbillowcurlrisespiralstreamwaft

6. To dress or groom elaboratelyC1formal

   To dress or groom oneself with great care and attention to detail.

   Se parer avec soin

   • She plumed herself in front of the mirror before the gala.
   • He spent an hour pluming his hair and outfit.
   • The actor plumed himself meticulously before the red carpet event.

   Synonymesdress upgroompreenprimpprinkspruce up

   Antonymesdisarrangedishevelrumple