翎子
bird's long feather; official hat plume; opera headdress ornament
Meanings
3 senses · 6 examplesnoun
a plume or feather (from a bird's wing or tail)
formalGeneral term for a long, stiff bird feather.
The peacock's feathers are colorful and very beautiful.
He has collected feathers from many kinds of birds.
noun
a peacock or pheasant tail feather plume used to decorate Qing dynasty official hats
archaicA specific historical term. The number and type of feathers indicated an official's rank.
A first-rank civil official could wear a single-eyed peacock feather plume on his hat.
The peacock feather plume was an important status symbol for Qing dynasty officials.
noun
pheasant tail feathers worn on the helmets of military generals in Chinese opera
technicalA term from traditional Chinese performing arts. These feathers are used by actors to convey the character's status and emotions through stylized movements.
That martial male role actor's skill in manipulating the helmet feathers is truly remarkable.
In Peking opera, the makeup and costumes for characters like Zhou Yu and Lü Bu always include the helmet feathers.