disheveled feathers; rustling sound
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesadjective
disheveled; broken and scattered (of feathers)
literaryLiterary term describing the appearance of damaged or wind-blown plumage, often conveying a sense of desolation or weariness.
The injured lone goose had broken, disheveled feathers and could no longer keep up with the flock.
In the cold wind, the old bird's ruffled feathers looked especially forlorn.
onomatopoeia
rustling; whistling; soughing (sound of wind, rain, or trees)
literaryClassic literary onomatopoeia found in ancient poetry, most famously in the farewell song of Jing Ke. Creates an atmosphere of desolation, heroism, or autumnal melancholy.
The wind whistles cold over the Yi River; the warrior departs, never to return.
The night rain pattered against the parasol tree leaves outside the window.
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The autumn wind rises, the grass and trees turn yellow, and the falling leaves drift down with a rustle.
The horse neighed loudly as the warrior spurred it and rode away.