English

Alternative forms

• tar-and-feather

Verb

tar and feather

1. To cover a person in sticky tar, then cover in feathers which stick to the tar; an archaic means of humiliating a person.
   • 1855 — George A. Smith, Journal of Discourses, Volume 3 "Preaching the Gospel"

     "O," say they, "if you talk with a Mormon Elder, you are sure to get worsted; tar and feather them, mob them, and stone them out of the country, for if you listen to them, you will be deceived."

   • 1884 — Mark Twain, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, chapter XIX

     ...they'd be along pretty soon and give me 'bout half an hour's start, and then run me down if they could; and if they got me they'd tar and feather me and ride me on a rail, sure. I didn't wait for no breakfast--I warn't hungry.