Of a bird or winged creature: having broken, uneven, or irregularly disposed feathers; (also) designating such a feather.

In senses of the verb. of hair. Also, of a wig, the head: Consisting of or covered with crisp curls. Of a fowl: see quot. 1885.

Having the feathers ruffled; swelled out.

Of wings or plumage: ruffled, disordered; ragged, broken. Obsolete.

Natural History. Having silk-like hair, plumage, etc. In names of birds; also as n., a silk-fowl.