fledge
UK[flɛdʒ]US[flɛdʒ]
v
To grow the feathers necessary for flying.
v
To provide with feathers or down.
v
To rear a young bird until it is ready to fly.
Etymology
The word 'fledge' originates from the Old English adjective flycge, which meant "fit to fly." This term is directly related to the Old English verb flēogan, the ancestor of the modern English word 'fly.' The core concept has always been intrinsically linked to the development of flight capability. Over time, the adjective evolved into the verb 'fledge,' shifting its meaning from describing a state ("able to fly") to describing the process of acquiring that state ("to grow flight feathers"). Thus, the modern abstract meanings of rearing a bird to independence or equipping something with feathers logically extend from this ancient, concrete association with becoming ready for flight.
Analysis
The word 'fledge' is a simplex word derived from Old English. It is related to the Old English adjective flycge, meaning "fit to fly," and is connected to the verb flēogan, "to fly."
Examples
The young eagles will fledge in about ten to twelve weeks.
The birdwatchers were thrilled to see the owlets fledge from their nest.
It is a sanctuary's duty to care for and fledge orphaned chicks before releasing them.