show the white feather, to behave in a cowardly manner.
Origin
1775-85; orig. from a white feather in a gamecock's tail, taken as a sign of inferior breeding and hence of poor fighting qualities
British Dictionary definitions for show the white feather
white feather
noun
1.
a symbol or mark of cowardice
2.
show the white feather, to act in a cowardly manner
Word Origin
from the belief that a white feather in a gamecock's tail was a sign of a poor fighter
Word Origin and History for show the white feather
white feather
n.
as a symbol of cowardice, 1785, supposedly from game-cocks, "where having a white feather, is proof he is not of the true game breed" [Grose].
Idioms and Phrases with show the white feather
show the white feather
Display cowardice, as in The minute Bob put up his fists, Bill showed the white feather and backed down. This expression comes from cockfighting, where a white feather in a bird's tail is considered a sign of inferior breeding. [ Early 1800s ]