FEATHERBEDDED Meaning and
Definition
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Featherbedded is an adjective that describes a situation or condition in which someone or a group is provided with excessive privileges, benefits, or protection, often at the expense of others or without deserving or earning them. The term is derived metaphorically from the soft, comfortable bedding known as a featherbed, which is associated with luxury and comfort.
In a literal sense, "featherbedded" refers to an overly cushioned mattress or pad that consists of layers of feathers, making it exceptionally soft and comfortable. However, when applied to contexts beyond bedding, the term connotes a sense of undeserved ease, favoritism, or indulgence.
In socio-economic or labor-related contexts, featherbedded is often used to describe practices that allow individuals or groups to retain certain privileges, protections, or benefits that might not be necessary or justified. This can occur in scenarios where established systems or organizations protect certain individuals or groups, resulting in a lack of competitiveness, productivity, or fairness. For instance, it may refer to situations where trade unions negotiate working conditions that favor their members at the expense of others or regulations that protect certain industries at the cost of stifling competition.
Overall, "featherbedded" highlights the notion of excessive pampering, preferential treatment, or unfair advantages enjoyed by certain individuals or groups, often leading to inefficiencies, inequalities, or imbalances within a particular context.
Common Misspellings for FEATHERBEDDED
- featherbedd
- featherbedes
- featherbeaded
- deatherbedded
- ceatherbedded
- veatherbedded
- geatherbedded
- teatherbedded
- reatherbedded
- fwatherbedded
- fsatherbedded
- fdatherbedded
- fratherbedded
- f4atherbedded
- f3atherbedded
- feztherbedded
- festherbedded
- fewtherbedded
- feqtherbedded
- fearherbedded
Etymology of FEATHERBEDDED
The word "featherbedded" is derived from the combination of two words: "feather" and "bedded".
The term "feather" comes from the Old English word "fether", which referred to the covering of feathers on a bird. It eventually expanded in meaning to include a single feather or a collection of feathers used for various purposes, such as stuffing pillows or providing insulation.
"Bedded" is derived from the Old English word "beddian", which means "to put to bed" or "to provide with a bed". This word was formed from "bed", which refers to a piece of furniture used for sleeping or resting.
When combined, "featherbedded" came to be used metaphorically to describe the act of providing excessive or unnecessary benefits or privileges to individuals or groups, often tied to the concept of making someone extraordinarily comfortable or pampered, like sleeping on a soft feather bed.
