E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Broken Feather (A).
A broken feather in his wing. A scandal connected with one’s character.
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“If an angel were to walk about, Mrs. Sam Hurst would never rest till she had found out where he came from; and perhaps whether he had a broken feather in his wing.”—Mrs. Oliphant: Phœbe.
